The Role of Antioxidant Rich Food in Recovery Nutrition
Plants are a rich source of antioxidants for humans. The antioxidants found naturally in plants serve to protect them from environmental stressors and have a similar effect on humans. Essential antioxidants, especially for optimal recovery, include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene. I recommend you consume these nutrients from a whole food source rather than as supplements. There is a synergistic effect when we consume a plant as a whole food rather than an isolated nutrient. Additionally, we reduce the possibility of over ingesting of any individual nutrient and risking toxicity when we consume whole plants. I recommend athletes and non-athletes alike include vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables in every meal.
Try getting creative this week and have at least one fruit or vegetable during every meal this week. For bonus points, Google some recipes for the power-packed antioxidant-rich foods below and share the recipes with me. I love trying out new recipes and sharing them with our community.
4 Antioxidants Essential for Recovery



1. Vitamin C



2. Vitamin E



3. Selenium



4. Beta-carotene



About the Author
Lauren has been a registered dietitian for 6 years and helps others develop practical and enjoyable lifelong nutrition habits to improve health, well-being, energy levels, confidence, and digestion. She focuses largely on a whole food, plant-based nutrition approach to health.