There’s no secret that a Nutrient-Rich diet is a plant-based diet.
Why? Because plants are where virtually all nutrients come from – in particular, phytochemicals and antioxidants. And, at a time when when our nations’ diet is in crisis, needless to say, it is more important than ever to understand the power of antioxidants.
Reality check: If right now you are rolling your eyes back thinking the author on this end is just obsessing about something insignificant, think again. Anti- oxidants are basically keeping you alive and functioning and nothing short of that. Nutrient-Rich nutrition is no small aspect of your lifestyle, it is what gives you the power to function and perform well, and for a long time – so you can bet, if we’re spending some time here with all that we’re up to in the world, it’s going to be well worth your time to take this subject seriously. Remember, health is not just about health, health is about your success!
You’ll learn more about Antioxidants in the Members area, at the level of appreciating these unseen molecules in your food and your body – also at the level of science and function, but this post is a good start.
What is an Antioxidant?
An Antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions, like the browning of fruit when we leave it in the open air, is also a process taking place inside our bodies, and can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals, which are unstable molecules in the body, start chain reactions and cause many of the so-called diseases of aging. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it can cause damage or death to the cell. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radicals, and inhibiting other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves. So, Antioxidants are often reducing agents, such as thiols, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), or polyphenols.[1]
Ok, great, now what do you do with that information?
For now, just eat a piece of fruit. You don’t need to worry about all the inner workings of the clock, so to speak, to tell time, which, in this case is simply eating the fruit right now so that you start getting lots of these Antioxidants. You’ll learn more as we go. Right now, what I want to do is inspire you with a great video on the subject, by Michael Gregor, M.D., so you can get a solid concept of what we’re talking about.
Here at nutrientrich.com we are all about making this real to you, with the help of our lifestyle, health and science advisory team, so you can actually get an appreciation for the power of eating a 90% or more Plant-Based Nutrient-Rich diet, which is the cornerstone of nutrient-rich healthy eating. It’s not to just eat a little healthier an get some supposed benefits that might make a little difference in your life, but rather it is so that you can revolutionize the way you eat and actually get ALL the benefits so many of us are promised, but so few experience, as a result of a great-tasting nutrient rich diet.
To get those results you need lots of Antioxidants!
Recently, Michael Gregor MD, put out a nutrition facts video on the antioxidant power of plant foods versus animal foods and it brings the power of Antioxidants alive in a way I think you are going to like. Nutrition Facts video’s are a new feature here at nutrientrich.com.
One of the interesting facts in this video is that there is one animal food that is off the charts in antioxidant power as compared to plants. In fact, it is the only animal product that we promote heavily, especially, in the early years of life when we are growing like a weed. Find out what I am talking about by watching this video.
1 Sies, Helmut (1997). “Oxidative stress: Oxidants and antioxidants” Experimental physiology 82 (2): 291–5. PMID 9129943.