I’d be surprised if you said you haven’t heard at least one person mention the media coverage of superfoods like acai, pomegranate and raw chocolate (cacao). It’s almost been a frenzy lately, and more and more people are wondering how to make sense of it all. When we get down to it though, there’s really nothing crazy about it – rather, it all comes down to a simple understanding of antioxidants and their pivotal role in maintaining vibrant health, youth and longevity.

The antioxidants we get from our diet go to work in the body preventing oxidation of the cells. What does this mean? It means that antioxidants are our first line of defense in protecting the very structure of our cells. Oxygen is an amazing, healing force in the body – but the cells themselves can’t be oxidized, and antioxidants are our natural defense system. If that was the first time that you’ve really heard it explained for you, then you may have just had one of those “aha” moments: anti and oxidant (anti-oxygen)!

So what’s the real cause behind the momentum we’re currently seeing with superfoods like acai, pomegranate and raw chocolate? It’s not because people found out that they’re among the highest antioxidant foods in the world – and they are. It’s because they found out what that means for them in their daily lives.

And what does it mean? Essentially, we’ve discovered that antioxidants are an age-old fountain of youth! Oxidation of cells is what causes a breakdown or deterioration of the physical body. This is seen as the signs of aging – or wrinkles, breakdown of tissue, disease, poor circulation, and too many other symptoms to list! Oxidation of cells and their impaired ability to reproduce or replicate perfect copies in the body has been known for years to be the real cause of aging. Just consider that the human body as a whole is actually a collection of an estimated 50-100 trillion cells, hopefully working together in harmony and seen collectively as your body.

Your body can look good on the outside for a great deal of time, but if your cellular health is in jeopardy, the clock is ticking! On the other hand, if you dive into the practices that bring about radiant cellular health, you’ll find that your body (again, a harmonious collection of cells itself) will reflect that in spades.

So start letting some antioxidants find their way into your diet! You don’t have to follow the latest media trends, you just need the background knowledge to make your own educated decisions. Among the highest ranking in the world are indeed raw chocolate (cacao), acai and pomegranate, but also favorites like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, raisins, kale and spinach. What’s the theme? Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants! The closer you are to a natural human diet, the younger, fitter and more energy-filled you’ll be! Go grab a handful from the fountain of youth, and I’ll see you here next week.

Unleash Your Vitality,

John Brackett

P.S. You can probably find most of these in your local grocery store, but I also recommend surfing around on Sunfood Nutrition, which is loaded with products containing all kinds of combinations of superfoods like the ones mentioned above. Lots of wild snacks available if you’re looking for a little more adventure in your food!