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Mustard Greens Are An Antioxidant Powerhouse

  • October 04, 2016

Mustard greens not only are an excellent source of conventional antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins C, A and E, but also provide us with great amounts of vitamin K, an anti-inflammatory nutrient, according the George Mateljan Foundation reports.

The greens report adds to a list of spices and foods I’ve been compiling that have proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Kale, spinach and Swiss chard are right up there with mustard greens. So are blueberries, animal-based omega-3 fats such as wild Alaskan salmon, matcha tea, fermented vegetables and Shiitake mushrooms.

But a little-known carotenoid called astaxanthin is now believed to be the most beneficial antioxidant nature has to offer. Astaxanthin's benefits are so numerous, I've written several articles to cover its many activities, from UV-radiation protection, to eye and heart health, to improved athletic performance. It's important to realize that dietary components can either prevent or trigger inflammation from taking root in your body. Processed foods in particular can be pro-inflammatory, so choosing to eat fresh, whole, organic foods instead of something packaged can be especially beneficial if you suffer from chronic inflammation. Eliminating certain other foods from your diet can also go a long way toward eliminating chronic inflammation. Major things to avoid include sugar, especially in the form of fructose and trans fats and vegetable oils. To help you start on a healthier diet, I suggest following my free Optimized Nutrition Plan, which progresses in phases for helping you take control of your health.