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In this series, we take a deep dive into trending nutrients and discuss their health benefits. This week, we’re diving into all things antioxidants: what they are, why they matter and how to get more of them in your diet!
Put simply: antioxidants are important nutrients that help to neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause cellular damage, and they’re always being formed in the body. They can be formed from exposure to stress, environment, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess alcohol, high blood sugar and even excessive exercise.
Too many free radicals in the body can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
Antioxidants help to prevent this oxidative stress by giving up their own electrons to the free radicals so that they are no longer unstable. Some important antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, vitamin A, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, polyphenols and catechins.
The best way to consume antioxidants is through dietary sources, as research suggests that supplementing can lead to excessive antioxidant intake, which may actually contribute to oxidative stress.
The good news is that there are a lot of antioxidants in whole foods, making a varied diet one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting enough.
Vibrant fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, citrus, berries, tomatoes, beets and bell peppers
Coffee
Green tea
Dark chocolate
Beans
Nuts and seeds
Herbs and spices (especially turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, onion, and mint)
Açai berries are loaded with antioxidants, most notably anthocyanins, that may help to enhance cognitive function. This tropical-tasting smoothie is also topped with our grainless granola, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.
One of our most popular bowls, the Zesty Mexican is loaded with plant-based phytonutrients. Made with kale, black bean mole, house-made salsa fresca, avocado smash, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh bell peppers and topped with cilantro jalapeño dressing, cashew sour cream and tostada crumble, there’s a reason this is a favourite!
This brunch item is the perfect way to squeeze in some extra veg! A mix of roasted squash, apple, red onion and garlic, tossed with kale and topped with poached eggs, this dish is loaded with vitamin C and anthocyanins!
This superfood nut comes from Brazil and is loaded with protein, fibre and healthy fats–not to mention it contains 10x more antioxidants than macadamia nuts! Each bag of trail mix contains Baru nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, semi-sweet chocolate, and cranberries, for a tasty and antioxidant-rich snack!
Açai berries are loaded with antioxidants, most notably anthocyanins, that may help to enhance cognitive function. This tropical-tasting smoothie is also topped with our grainless granola, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.
One of our most popular bowls, the Zesty Mexican is loaded with plant-based phytonutrients. Made with kale, black bean mole, house-made salsa fresca, avocado smash, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh bell peppers and topped with cilantro jalapeño dressing, cashew sour cream and tostada crumble, there’s a reason this is a favourite!
This brunch item is the perfect way to squeeze in some extra veg! A mix of roasted squash, apple, red onion and garlic, tossed with kale and topped with poached eggs, this dish is loaded with vitamin C and anthocyanins!
This superfood nut comes from Brazil and is loaded with protein, fibre and healthy fats–not to mention it contains 10x more antioxidants than macadamia nuts! Each bag of trail mix contains Baru nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, semi-sweet chocolate, and cranberries, for a tasty and antioxidant-rich snack!
Which one will you be choosing?
