Improving Your Health With Antioxidants

Most of us take supplements because we don’t have time to cook. At least we are getting the nutrients we need, but we also have to eat. As long as the kitchen is getting some use, it may as well be cooking up some healthy things, too. Antioxidants are the big issue these days and here are some ways to help improve your health by getting food that is high in the following common antioxidants. 

A little memory jogger for the letter “A” in Vitamin A might be thinking of it as standing for “Antioxidants”. “A” has a lot of delicious foods in its group, such as sweet potatoes and squash. Bake either of them in the microwave and replace the typical butter with honey and cinnamon for a delicious side dish, or snack.

Apricots, peaches and cantaloupe are great snacks that don’t need cooking. Just grab one up and start eating. These antioxidant filled goodies are full of other nutrients, too, along with carrots, tomatoes and broccoli. All of them are easy to wash, and store in the fridge for quick easy snacks that are full of the healthy benefits of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C is usually thought of as helping the respiratory system, but it is also full of antioxidants. Lime, lemons and oranges are first to come to mind, but tomatoes and strawberries are full of “C”, and other nutrients. Any fresh fruit that you keep on hand makes a great healthy snack. Other “C” foods are lettuce and other green leaf vegetables, all full of antioxidants.

For a delicious bowl full of these snacks, put some lettuce leaves in a salad bowl, then pile oranges, strawberries and tomato wedges on top. Some onions and green peppers and a nice topping, and you don’t need any salad dressing. Just eat a bit of each together, or pick and choose as you work your way around the bowl.

Most of us already know that Vitamin E is supposed to help the skin, but it is also vital to the immune system, and fights bad free radicals. Any type of grain has “E” in it, and don’t forget that seeds and nuts are considered grains, too. Sunflower seeds, pecans, walnuts, even peanuts are great for “E” and peanuts are full of protein. Next time you have a salad, try crushing up some peanuts and sprinkle them over the top of your dressing. You will probably be amazed at how much additional flavor peanuts can add to some of the most unlikely dishes.

Here’s one for sunflower seeds. Lime sherbet. Yes, it does sound bizarre, but, the slightly salty flavor really brings out the lime. And, for a quick small meal or snack, mix some oatmeal and parmesan cheese to cover the top of some nice green leafy veggies. A little olive oil to stir it all in, and you’ve got a health food that will make you want another bowl full.

Selenium is not only good for the heart, it is the best friend of the pancreas. Fresh or salt water shellfish and fish are high in selenium, and so are red meats and chicken. Grains, eggs and garlic go along with them, and can make some delicious healthy meals. Steak and egg has long been a good breakfast meal, but you can fix a nice fillet of raw fish in the microwave and serve eggs, topped with garlic, and whole wheat or oatmeal toast with it for a scrumptious dinner of antioxidants.