We have heard a lot of negative talk about free radicals over the past years and it is important that we understand what these are and how they affect us.
Free radical is a chemistry term that describes an atomic or molecular species with unpaired electrons on an otherwise open shell configuration.
Free radicals are produced by our bodies all the time and they can be good. Our body makes free radicals as a result of energy production within our cells, intense physical exercise and stress. But excess free radicals can attack our body and cause damage. When this happens our body can experience negative results such as: premature aging, inflammation, and a weaker immune system so the body cannot protect itself from diseases.
The negative free radicals our body is bombarded with are a result of our environment and bad lifestyle choices such as:
- consuming alcohol
- eating foods that are fried, barbecued or broiled
- being exposed to environmental toxins such as pollution, pesticides, cigarette smoke, heavy metals and UV rays
The good news is we have a way to make free radicals stable and harmless by eating foods with high antioxidants, such as: our brightly coloured fruits and vegetables.
Here is a list of some foods that are rich in antioxidants:
Berries, citrus fruits, bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, many nuts and the dark greens such as; kale, spinach, broccoli.
We can also rid our lives of toxins by removing anything that could be harmful such as:
- Buy organic fruits and vegetables as much as you can and do not buy genetically modified foods. Always use a good veggie/fruit wash to make sure you get rid of as much residue from them before you eat them.
- Clean out the kitchen of all prepackaged and highly processed foods – buy raw whole foods instead and if you do buy packaged goods make sure you read the label so you are not bringing in foods that will add problems
- Clean out the bathroom – cleaning supplies are a common source of toxins – there are many new natural products that are not harmful to use. You need to look at what you use for personal care products and makeup – there are many new natural products that do not have parabens, sulfates or heavy silicones in them.
- Clothing and linens that boast flame retardants, stain repellants or wrinkle resistance all have things in them that are harmful. Instead use 100% natural fabrics such as; cotton, hemp, linen, wool and bamboo. These are good choices not only because they are toxin free but they are ecologically good.
- Reduce the time spent with your computer, cell phone or TV – all of our electronics give off emissions that cause free radicals. Use a Gia Cell chip to eat up those emissions. Make sure your bedroom is electronic free.
We need to also make sure we do not produce too many free radicals within our body by lowering our stress levels. Here are some good tips to help with managing stress:
- Learn to live in the present and learn to accept what life gives us but make sure you are helping by doing all that is possible to make good life choices.
- Rest and relaxation are important. The body rebuilds when we are resting. Finding things to do other than work are good for us – try journaling, quilting, knitting, golfing, reading, find any hobby.
- Exercise can be good but do not overdo it.
- Be good to yourself, think positive thoughts and smile
- Give your life up to God, He will help you!
Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” Alan Cohen
Veggies & Seed Cheese Pea Dip
It is always a nice easy and fast snack to put together a colourful assortment of veggies to eat with a great healthy seed cheese. These are also easily taken with you for a picnic or to work for a quick raw lunch or snack.
Basic Seed Cheese
Soak nuts and seeds overnight. Strain and put into food processor:
- 2 cup of nuts or seeds (almonds, pecans, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts or sunflower, pumpkin, sesame seeds)
Add the following to this mixture as it is processing:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon or lime juice
- 2 celery stalks
- ¼ cup onion
- 2 fresh garlic cloves
- ⅓ cup nutritional yeast
Blend this mixture well until it is like creamed cheese, keeps in fridge for 3-4 days
To change the flavour of this basic recipe: add herbs, spices or veggies see suggestions below:
- 1 tsp. of one or more herbs: basil, rosemary, turmeric, sage, curry, thyme, ginger
- peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, radishes just to name a few
Today we added 1 handful of spinach, ½ cup chives, 2 chive blossoms and ¼ cup peas.
