If you are reading this right now, it probably is because you live a 'well-connected' life. We have the internet at our fingertips 24/7. People who work at a desk most likely work on a computer. They also carry a laptop, especially while traveling. Our mobile devices to microwaves to nuclear plants all emit some sort of radiation. Not to mention radiation from the sun, ultraviolet light (UV), environmental toxins, and food toxins (pesticides). We should just face the fact that radiation is a part of life here on earth. For this reason, it is vitally important that we eat food with knowledge to help protect our health.
We have our own Top 3 list of foods to eat in order to help combat radiation and environmental pollutants. There are many more foods, but these are easiest to incorporate and powerful.
Also called seaweed; there are so many variety and types. As a whole, sea vegetables are known for their ability to detoxify the body, preventing absorption of heavy metals such as cadmium and other environmental toxins (Steven Schecter, N.D.). Among many Asian cultures, seaweed is a staple in the diet, and is widely known to detoxify the body. Based on a study at the McGill University of Montreal in Canada, they studied a compound called sodium alginate that is found in brown algae at pretty strong concentrations (brown algae includes arame, hijiki, kombu, wakame). The sodium alginate from similar sea vegetables such as kelp, kombu and other seaweeds, reduced uptake of radioactive particles into the bone. Pretty cool findings.
Mushrooms have healing properties, and there are three specific types that are especially worth noting: maitake, shiitake and reishi.
Mushrooms are a fungus. They grow on decaying matter such as decaying wood, which means they absorb and safely eliminate toxins. When we eat mushrooms, it make sense that they do something similar in our bodies.
Shiitake is most widely cultivated and easiest to find in the grocery stores fresh or dried, and are wonderful in stir-fry dishes.
Reishi mushrooms have become more popular in the supplement aisle, and have beneficial functions ranging from blood pressure to liver detoxification to adrenal function.
Maitake seems to especially stimulate the immune system and is good for counteracting toxic effects of radiation.
Sometimes known as 'nature's candy,' raisins are sweet and a great addition to any trail mix. One issue, however, is that we recommend buying only organic raisins due to the high levels of pesticides that grapes are exposed to. Since raisins are dried up grapes, raisins may have the highest pesticide residue of any fruit. Raisins are a good source of phenols that are antioxidants to fight environmental toxins or the destructive molecules our bodies are exposed to. High antioxidant foods do help the body fight the effects of toxins and radiation in the environment.
We know we called this a Top 3 List, but really, Baobab is #4. Baobab is high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Our baobab superfruit chews® are especially easy to take on the go, and deliver 100% of your antioxidant needs per chew. Now you know why it is so important to eat antioxidants that help the body combat toxins. All these foods work together to protect us for the long journey of health and life.
References: McGill University of Montreal in Canada; Bowden, 2007; Steven Schecter, N.D.
