Summer is conducive to taking up new dietary challenges. We have more time, native vegetables and fruits are easily available, from which we can compose a fruit or vegetable cocktail. These cocktails are not only tasty, contain few calories but are extremely valuable for our body due to their antioxidant effect. What are oxidants, why do they not serve us and how to get rid of them in an easy, pleasant and tasty way?
What exactly are oxidants?
Oxidants are nothing more than free oxygen radicals, which in excess are harmful to us. Where does it come from and why do we want to get rid of them so much from our body? They are not living organisms like viruses, but are created during the breathing process when air is converted into energy. This is when some of the oxygen atoms get out of control and escape as free radicals. Sometimes we ourselves accelerate this harmful process by smoking cigarettes, living under constant stress, exposing ourselves too much to the sun, drinking too much or eating unhealthily. Any excess is harmful to health and this is also the case with free radicals. However, a small amount of them is needed for e.g. strengthening immunity and destroying viruses. However, if there are too many oxidants, they begin to take over and destroy cells and even some genes.
How to effectively defend yourself against free radicals?
There are effective ways for everything. Our body is not defenseless. Antioxidants, otherwise known as antioxidants, are helpful. The body produces some of them on its own, but we have to take care of most of them ourselves. And this is where tasty fruit and vegetable cocktails can help us.
Vitamins A and E, i.e. free radical killers
By using products rich in vitamins, especially vitamins A and E and beta carotene, we can effectively defend ourselves against oxidants. Vegetables and fruits also contain a large dose of carotenoids and flavonoids. They are what give fruits and vegetables their color.
Cleansing the body of toxins
A weekend cocktail detox of the body may be the perfect solution. On hot days, we have less appetite, so it’s easier to replace meals with a tasty cocktail. When creating a flavor composition, base on beets, apples, cucumbers and all leafy green vegetables. Also, drink at least 2 liters of water.
Supporting immunity
To effectively increase your immunity before the autumn and winter period, it is worth using squeezed vegetables such as cabbage, beets and carrots. They contain phytonutrients, which are an insurmountable barrier for bacteria and viruses. Such cocktails should be strengthened with linseed oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Give yourself energy
You can go crazy adding to cocktails very valuable products that you do not use every day because you do not like them. Use your imagination and try celery, spinach, green parsley. They will enrich the taste of the cocktail without dominating it. In this way, you will provide your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Add olive oil, it will facilitate the absorption of vitamins A and E, which are fat-soluble.
Eat and lose weight
Fruit and vegetable smoothies contain a lot of fiber, which facilitates metabolism. They will allow people of all ages to control their body weight. By using cocktails, you can replace several meals with them or just one, e.g. dinner. Use pumpkin seeds, they facilitate the cleansing of the digestive system and improve intestinal peristalsis. This makes digestion much easier.