If you’re looking to add more antioxidants to your diet, check out these four easy antioxidant-rich recipes to try this summer!

1. Acai and Pitaya Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowls are always a classic, especially when made with the superfruit duo of acai and pitaya. Acai and pitaya are some of the richest antioxidant fruits to eat, and have blown up in healthy food markets with just as much credibility as blueberries and bananas, to name some examples. To indulge in these super-fruits’ purifying benefits, blend them together with additional fruit and a liquid base (such as Greek yogurt or orange juice) and place it in a bowl. Add more berries or fruit of your choice on top, sprinkle some shredded coconut, seeds, and nuts, and then mix in protein or matcha powder to finish. It’s the perfect breakfast to kick-start a productive day!

2. Bean and Vegetable Salad

When you think of antioxidants, do beans come up first – or at all – in your mind? Beans in particular are actually comparable to berries because they also possess detoxifying properties that regulate the digestive process, remove harmful and toxic substances from the body, and keep the heart healthy and happy. For this quick lunch or dinner, throw a combination of kidney, black, and pinto beans into a serving plate alongside a hearty serving of your favorite chopped vegetables and a protein source. You’ll be energized and satisfied for hours!

3. Berries dipped in Dark Chocolate, Nuts, and Spices

Have a sweet tooth? Then we’ve got fantastic news for you! To curb a sugar craving, snack on a guilt-free dessert of fruit dipped in dark chocolate, spices, and nuts to keep any temptation for cheat food at bay. Choose a berry of your choice to act as a base to this dessert. For this recipe in particular, we recommend strawberries.

Put your desired berries to the side and melt some dark chocolate in a pot over the stove. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants like fruit and vegetables, so don’t be shy with indulging in a bar or two. They’re also fantastic for reducing cholesterol levels, maintaining cardiovascular health, and improving brain function.

The nuts you choose should be fat burning and easy on the stomach, such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and cashews. They give a perfect crunch to the chocolate! Lastly, in terms of spices, add a pinch of cinnamon or turmeric to the melted dark chocolate. This is the final kick to give the recipe a textured flavor. Furthermore, spices possess an incredibly high concentration of antioxidants and combat more toxins than dark chocolate!

4. A classic cold-pressed juice

Unlike a smoothie which uses the whole fruit or vegetable, a cold-pressed juice liquifies ingredients and extracts the purest form of their nutrients – and the tastiest! A common cold-pressed juice you may be familiar with is one comprised of apples, kale, cucumber, celery, and lemon. It may sound like a questionable cocktail, but juicing fruits and vegetables together results in a superior and healthy drink that is an absolute treat for the body and ensures your well-being.

By: Rachel O’Connor