Antioxidants

I mentioned this word in my last post about the bean soup, and I thought I would expand on it today. Have you seen "antioxidants" plastered on food labels of all kinds? Fruit juices, chocolate, soft drinks?

Antioxidants, a term that sounds like it might be healthy for you but actually you know nothing about, are turning up on all kinds of labels. They seem to be a new trend in our country's ever-changing outlook on nutrition and "the perfect diet", as well as a technique for making products look more appealing by advertising how "healthy" they are. Since I am infatuated with both nutrition and the science behind it (I know I'm a freak), I'd like to provide some insight behind the antioxidant rave to better educate the public for the next time you're walking down the Antioxidant Aisle of the supermarket and don't know what to do.

Let's start with this: Oxidation is a reaction in your body that occurs all. the. time. All day, every day. It is a natural reaction caused by the oxygen that gets used by all of your cells. A "free radical" is a by-product of this reaction. It floats around in your body and causes damage to your cells. While your body is programmed to repair some of the damages caused by free radicals, antioxidants help your body out by acting as scavengers to the free radicals and, essentially, canceling them out. This reduces the damage done to your cells and can prevent illness, heart disease, and many forms of cancer.

So, antioxidants are great- but this does not mean that you should get your daily antioxidants by guzzling chocolate bars and 7up. These are high in sugar, as are many other foods with antioxidant labeling, so don't be fooled by the package. Stick to foods that are naturally high in antioxidants and lower in sugar. Here are some great superfoods: berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries), broccoli, tomatoes, red grapes, garlic, spinach, carrots, soy, and whole grains. Green and black tea also have tons of cancer-fighting antioxidants. My favorite antioxidant-rich food, POMEGRANATES, are conveniently in-season, so they're probably pretty cheap at the store right now. AND THEY'RE SO FUN TO EAT!!!

In lieu of one big meal-y recipe today, here are a few easy snack-y ideas to get some antioxidants flowing through your system.

Berry smoothie: Blend together 1/2 cup of plain or vanilla yogurt, a splash of milk and as many fresh or frozen berries as you can handle.

Spinach saute: Throw a little olive oil and broccoli in a skillet on medium heat. Saute for a few minutes, then add some spinach and minced garlic. Saute for another minute or so, or until both vegetables are bright green! Add any spices!

Breakfast (or anytime) bagel: Toast a whole-grain bagel, then spread with cream cheese and top with a thick slice of tomato. Maggie had this in the office this morning, and we were all jealous of her. At least I was. Can you bring me a breakfast bagel next week Mags???

Have a safe and warm New Years! Cheers!