Certain tissues in the body, especially fats, are very susceptible to damage by oxidation; the same process that makes iron rust. When a fat is oxidized, its structure is destroyed, and it turns rancid.

Oxidized cholesterol is a good example of this. When LDL or bad cholesterol gets oxidized, it's associated with damage to blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

The body uses natural compounds like vitamin E to keep this from happening, since once it begins it can lead to a chain reaction of one molecule oxidizing another. Natural antioxidants help prevent this chain reaction thus protect the body.

Plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, especially those with bright colors, are loaded with protective antioxidants. Try to eat numerous different colored fruits and vegetables every day to ingest a high number of different antioxidants.

Blueberries and other berries contain some of the most potent antioxidants. Dark chocolate, kidney beans, coffee and tea are also excellent sources.

Antioxidant Recipes

Fast Apple Ring Pancakes

These apple ring pancakes are gluten free and higher in fiber than traditional pancakes. The apple and banana add in healthy antioxidants to boost the nutrient value!

Servings : 6

Ingredients

1/3 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup flax meal

2 dates, pitted

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 banana

1 cup coconut milk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons lemon juice and zest

3 apples, washed, cored, and cut into six slices

Directions

1. Preheat a pancake griddle and lightly grease with coconut oil
2. Combine all the ingredients, except the apple slices, in a food processor and mix until fully combined. Pour the batter into a shallow bowl.
3. Dip each sliced apple ring into the batter, and rub to fully cover it. Transfer to the preheated griddle and cook as you would a regular pancake. Repeat with all of the apple slices.
4. Serve with a little sprinkle of cinnamon.
5. Enjoy!

Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower

Eating plenty of vegetables provides antioxidants for your body. Here's an awesome recipe for roasted broccoli and cauliflower that is quick to make and tastes great.

Servings : 6

Ingredients

1 bunch broccoli

1 bunch cauliflower

1 Tablespoon avocado oil, plus more to grease pan

dash of sea salt

dash of pepper

4 garlic cloves, minced

juice from 1 lemon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with oil.
2. Wash the broccoli and cauliflower heads and then pat dry. It's important to dry thoroughly so that it will roast properly. Cut into small florets. 
3. In a medium bowl combine the florets, oil, salt, pepper and garlic cloves. Toss until well combined and then spread over the prepared baking sheet. 
4. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from oven once the florets are tender with crispy bottoms.
5. Drizzle the lemon juice over the cooked florets and serve immediately.