Be Berry Good to Yourself.

One berry, two berries, three berries, four, I smile as I sit at my kitchen table popping blueberries in my mouth. The amount of satisfaction I get knowing the nutritional benefits each berry will give me.

Berries, dark chocolate, pecans, artichokes, kale, red cabbage, beans, beets, and spinach are high antioxidant foods. "What is an antioxidant?” you say. They are nutrient-rich compounds found in your body and found in food, mainly plants. They help protect you cells from harmful molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress to the body, and can be found in the environment damaging cells in the body. Free radicals are typically found in certain pesticides and cleaners, cigarette smoke, radiation, and air pollution.

Healthy lifestyle choices are the best way to reduce the stress to your body. Limiting a diet high in sugar, fat, and alcohol can reduce inflammation in the body, which can mitigate oxidative stress. Consume plants, a plant-based diet will provide sufficient antioxidants, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and be environmentally conscious. Be good to yourself and reduce your stress.