The benefits of antioxidants...

You have all heard the word "antioxidant" but what does that mean?  Antioxidants are

1. a substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products.

   • a substance such as vitamin C or E that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.

Did you know that brightly coloured foods are hailed for their antioxidant heft, but fruits, veggies, legumes, seeds and grains tinged with such a deep purple that they appear black are nutritional heavyweights too?  Here are a handful of dark delights to embrace.

• BLACKBERRIES...
  Tart blackberries are the number one berries for antioxidant firepower.  Essentially the darker the food, the more anthocyanin antioxidants it has.  The berries also supply good amounts of vitamin C which has been shown to lower blood pressure.
• BLACK QUINOA...
  Crunchier in texture than its white and red counterparts, black quinoa is also a source of essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, iron, folate, phosphorous and magnesium.  The darker bran layer on grains such as quinoa and black rice is where antioxidants are found.
• BLACK (Beluga) LENTILS...
  These small legumes are less earthy tasting than typical green lentils.  A quarter cup of dry lentils delivers about 12 grams of protein making them a good meat-free source of the nutrient.
• BLACK CHIA SEEDS...
  These little seeds are an excellent source of heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids and fibre (roughly 10 grams in a two-tablespoon serving).  Since fibre increases the feeling of fullness, it helps prevent overeating.
• BLACK BEANS...
  Already appraised for thei sky-high fibre and folate levels, black beans also have an abundance of the potent antioxidant anthocyanin that is found in blueberries and blackberries.  They are also rich in magnesium, a key mineral for bone, immune system and heart health.
• BLACK RICE...
  This medium grain rice from China has a sweet, nutty taste and chewy texture.  Black rice has a ton of anthocyanins.
• BLACK RADISHES...
  Dusky-skinned black radishes are larger and sharper in taste than the red variety.  Black radishes contain isothiocyanates, compunds thought to rev up detoxification enzymes in our bodies to help combat diseases such as cancer.
• BLACK TEA...
  Consuming three (3) cups of antioxidant rich black tea daily can lower blood triglycerides by 36% and blood glucose levels by 18%, helping slash heart disease and diabetes risks.

I do sell the Juice Plus+ Vineyard Blend capsules and gummies shown above.  If you want more information on those awesome sources of antioxidates (whole food nutrition in a capsule or gummy), please ask me or check out my web site here.The Juice Plus+ Vineyard contains cranberries, elderberries, blackberries, blueberries, black currants, raspberries, bilberries, concord grapes and red currants all in one capsule or gummy.