Fight Free Radicals with a Rainbow Punch!

photo source: http://www.birthgoddess.com.au

Antioxidants are phytochemicals, vitamins and other nutrients which protect our cells from free radical damage. Studies show antioxidants help prevent the oxidative damage that is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. So where are these superheroes found? Check out your local garden patch – most fruits, vegetables, and culinary & medicinal herbs can contain high levels of antioxidants.

A study in recent years found that botanical diversity plays a role in determining the bioactivity of antioxidant phytochemicals. Also, and this is exciting, smaller quantities of many different phytochemicals may have greater health effects than larger amounts of fewer phytochemicals. This is why we inspire people to ‘eat a rainbow’ (and we’re not talking about Skittles candy). Here’s how to form a rainbow of protection against free radical damage:

Red, Purple, and Blue

• Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, apples, cherries, pomegranates, red grapes, beets, red cabbage, black rice
• Contains anthocyanin, betacyanin, and proanthocyanidins
• Functions: protect cells from aging, reduce cholesterol and may reduce breast cancer risk

Yellow-Orange

• Carrots, squashes, lemons, apricots, cantaloupe, mangoes, nectarines, peaches, papaya, oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, passion fruit, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and yellow & orange peppers
• Contains beta-carotene and alpha carotene; often also cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin
• Functions: protects against some cancers, supports immune system, healthy skin, and good vision

Green Fruits and Vegetables

• Spinach, kale, avocado, broccoli, swisschard, brussel sprouts, as well as dandelion, mustard, and collard greens
• Contains lutein, beta carotene, and chlorophyll
• Functions: builds resistance to certain cancers, protects eyes from oxidative damage that could lead to diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts

Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

photo source: steamykitchen.com

Ingredients
2 lbs Broccoli florets
1 lb Brussels Sprouts
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil or grass-fed butter, softened
salt and pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 lemon juice and zest
1 pinch cayenne
Celtic Sea or Himalayan salt and pepper
1⁄4-1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese from grass-fed animal (optional)
2 Tbsp. raw Almonds, chopped (optional)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash veggies and dry thoroughly.
2. Slice broccoli stems into 1/4 inch thick rounds, cut florets in bite sized pieces. Have as many flat sides as possible so they caramelize. Remove the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice in half.
3. Place veggies in a single layer on a parchment lined sheet tray with sides. Toss with 2 T of the olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes depending on how crisp you like them. Stir halfway through and toss with fresh garlic. Remove from oven when finished and allow to cool slightly.
5. Whisk together the remaining 2 T oil, lemon juice and zest, dijon, cayenne and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss with the veggies and cheese and almonds if using. Serve immediately or allow to come to room temperature.