Taste the Rainbow

Antioxidants protect your cells from free radicals.  Free radicals are toxic molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental substances such as cigarette smoke, sunlight or pesticides.  Though some free radicals are beneficial for immune function, most are harmful and can damage our healthy cells through a process called oxidation.  Oxidation is thought to be a factor in the development of certain diseases including heart disease and cancer.

Luckily, our bodies produce antioxidants to help neutralize these harmful free radicals.  We can up our intake of antioxidants by eating a well balanced, colorful diet. The following foods are particularly good sources:

Berries:  blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries

Beans:  red, kidney, pinto and black

Fruit:  apples, avocados, cherries, pears and plums

Vegetables:  artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, potatoes and broccoli

Beverages: green tea, coffee, red wine and pomegranate

Nuts:  walnuts, pistachios, pecans and hazelnuts

And most importantly, dark chocolate!