Antioxidants. We hear about them all the time, but it’s difficult to pinpoint what they are, why they’re good for you, and the best way to integrate them into your diet.
Here at Premium Shilajit, we understand just how beneficial antioxidants really are, because – you guessed it – shilajit is one of the best sources of antioxidants out there! Let’s take a closer look at the importance of antioxidants, and why eating them for breakfast is a great way to integrate them into your diet.
What are Antioxidants?
In order to truly understand antioxidants, you need to understand something called “free radicals.” Every day, your body’s cells are exposed to oxygen. Now, we all know that oxygen is essential of life, but when your cells are exposed to oxygen, it causes something called oxidation. Oxidation causes your body to alter its chemistry, resulting in free radicals. Free radicals are partly responsible for the aging process, as well as contributing to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and many other illnesses. Environmental factors such as smoking cigarettes, diet, alcohol, and pollution all contribute to the creation of free radicals.
How do we fight free-radicals? Antioxidants to the rescue!
Now that we’ve illustrated just how bad free radicals are, we can move on to the best way to fight them. Antioxidants fight the damage created by free radicals. It can limit and even stop the damage! Put simply, your body uses antioxidants to fight free radicals and keep your body healthy. Antioxidants work to keep your cells from degenerating and fight the damage caused by oxidation.
What are the Best Sources of Antioxidants?
There are many fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, as well as antioxidant-packed shilajit. Let’s take a look at some foods full of free-radical-fighting antioxidants:
Shilajit
You may have guessed that shiajit is a natural source of antioxidants. In fact, it is one of the biggest benefits of this unique mineral. Shilajti is full of fluvial acid, which is a powerful antioxidant. In fact, recent studies of shilajit have shown that the normal Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity of shilajit is between 50 and 500 Trolox units. This is much higher than blueberries and many other types of fruit. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to eat the foods below: integrating many different types of antioxidants and vitamins into your diet is beneficial to your health.
Grapes
Grapes are an excellent source of antioxidants. For the best results, choose grapes that are dark in color, such as blue, red, or purple, as these content the highest levels of antioxidants. In addition to phytochemical (antioxidants), grapes also contain lots of vitamin C!
Blueberries
Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants. In addition, blueberries also contain minerals and vitamins that have been proven to strengthen your immune system and lower inflammation. They are full of phytochemical that fight the damage caused by free radicals.
Veggies
Spinach, kale, broccoli, and collard greens are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants. In addition to antioxidants, these dark green veggies are full of vitamins C, A, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Additionally, these veggies have phytochemicals that may have the ability to fight cancer!
Nuts
Nuts contain a variety of beneficial nutrients, including an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and unique phytochemicals that may help lower cholesterol. For the best results, research each type of nut to learn about how it can benefit your health.
How to Eat an Antioxidant-Rich Breakfast
There are many ways to integrate all these powerful antioxidant rich foods into your diet. One of the best ways to insure you are getting lots of phytochemicals into your diet is by starting the day off with a good dose. Eating a good breakfast is a great way to start. You know how fitness gurus always say you should exercise first thing in the morning to make sure you get it done? The same goes for integrating antioxidants into your diet – if you eat them at breakfast, you’re starting your day off right. Here are a few ways to start eating antioxidants for breakfast:
Shilajit is best taken on an empty stomach, so drink it before you eat breakfast. Because shilajit is most potent and pure in resin form, it is best taken dissolved in liquid, such as milk, tea, or non-chlorinated water. Dissolve your recommended dose in a war liquid (the hotter the liquid, the bette it will dissolve), and stir rapidly. Then, drink up and start enjoying the benefits of shilajit in your life and health.
Layer yogurt with grapes, blueberries, your favorite type of granola, and some nuts. We love walnuts or toasted almonds, but choose your favorite and enjoy a well-rounded breakfast!