Here we go again with the creativity! This isn’t a plane Jane pesto, people. We have to change it up and keep you on your toes so that your taste buds remain interested in raw vegan foods. Varying your ingredients and straying from the well-traveled path is a great way to enjoy new flavors and reap the benefits of different plant compounds. Because we live in a society that regularly wastes edible parts of fruits and vegetables, we wanted to provide a unique way to use celery leaves, which most people discard without hesitation.

Next time you have a bunch of celery with beautiful leaves, turn those leaves into a pesto. While you can incorporate them into salads, it is much easier and quicker to transform them into a pesto sauce. From a nutritional standpoint, celery leaves are rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Beta-carotene

Celery leaves may help enhance immune function due to the presence of vitamins A and C. Both of these vitamins work to protect the body against infections, while simultaneously enhancing skin health. The calcium and magnesium in celery leaves are essential for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Because celery leaves contain antioxidants and chlorophyll, they aids the body’s natural detoxification processes. In fact, they may aid the body with toxin elimination.

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The body requires magnesium to carry out hundreds of functions, yet nearly 50% of American adults do not consume enough on a daily basis. Failure to consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Magnesium primarily exists in your bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue. It’s involved in:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Energy production
• Bone density
• Muscle and nerve function
• Synthesizing protein
• Repairing DNA
• Controlling blood sugar

According to dietitians, your daily magnesium needs depend on age and gender. Typically, adult males need 400-420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, while adult females require 310-400 mg per day. Signs of magnesium deficiency vary from minor to severe, but severe magnesium deficiency is quite rare. Common signs include loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness.

Although there are many food sources of magnesium, this article highlights magnesium-rich fruits. Eating these fruits on a regular basis can help you boost magnesium levels. 

Durian

Now, this is a fruit that you’ll either love or hate; there is no straddling the line with this one. The reason for this is because it emits a smell reminiscent of rotten onions and sulfur. Lovely, we know, but it does have health benefits despite the foul aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, durian is a large spiky fruit with a creamy center. Durian is naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, with one cup offering 17% of the RDI. 

Avocado

Unlike a lot of the other fruits on this list, avocado is relatively low in carbohydrates, which is why many keto enthusiasts enjoy them. They are rich in healthy fats, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, with one cup offering 10.35% of the RDI. Due to their high-fiber content, avocados may help control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. The omega-3s also work to promote healthy heart and brain function. 

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear is the fruit that is produced by the Opuntia, commonly referred to as the prickly pear cactus. The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet flavor that is similar to berries. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and potent antioxidant compounds. For reference, one cup of prickly pear provides 23% of the RDI for vitamin C, which supports immune function. Additionally, these fruits are some of the richest fruit sources of magnesium, with one cup offering 30% of the RDI. 

Jackfruit 

This is potentially the largest fruit that you’ll ever see, but you usually have to visit specialty markets to see it in its raw form. Canned jackfruit is available, but it doesn’t compare to the fresh version. Native to India, jackfruit is the largest edible fruit in the world and can weigh up to 110 pounds. One cup of raw jackfruit, which has a subtly sweet taste, contains 11% of the RDI of magnesium. The same serving also provides 16% of the RDI of potassium, which aids blood pressure regulation. 

Bananas

Similar to avocados and jackfruit, bananas offer both magnesium and potassium. One cup of sliced banana offers 9.6% of the RDI of magnesium. Bananas also offer a much-needed vitamin for metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter production: vitamin B6. This B vitamin is necessary for encouraging healthy brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems functioning optimally. 

Papaya

Papain isn’t the only great thing about papaya! As a quick note, papain is a proteolytic enzyme in papaya that helps break down proteins in the digestive system. The papaya is a tropical fruit that also contains carotenoid antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate. Their rich orange color and many of their heart-protective properties are attributed to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment. Now, papaya wouldn’t be on this list without offering up some magnesium. One cup of papaya offers 8.2% of the RDI of magnesium. 

Passion Fruit

This tropical fruit blooms on a vine native to South America. The flower on the vine is one of the most stunning purple and white flowers you’ll ever see! If unripe, the fruit is highly sour, but it is incredibly sweet and highly addictive when perfectly ripe. Some people are averse to the seeds for textural reasons, but they are edible. One cup of passion fruit offers a diverse mix of nutrients, including 16.2% of the RDI of magnesium. It also offers vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy immune function, reproductive health, vision, and normal growth and development. 

Dried Figs

To round out the list of the top eight magnesium-rich fruits, we have dried figs. One cup provides 24% of the RDI of magnesium, in addition to 50% of the RDI of fiber. Dried figs also provide vitamin B6, calcium, and an assortment of polyphenol antioxidants, which offer protections against cellular damage.

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Get ready to make one of the easiest salads you will ever prepare. It’s a halfway point between a salad and guacamole, but one thing is for certain: it is undeniably delicious. Plus, it is filled with healthy fats and fiber, two things that work to fill you up. That is very important if you are participating in our Full Body Cleanse, because you want to avoid those feelings of intense hunger as much as possible. Fill up on deliciousness and fresh, whole foods that offer an assortment of antioxidants and nutrients when you enjoy this refreshing spring salad.

The great thing about this recipe is that it comes together in about five to 10 minutes, and you don’t have to go the extra step to make a special dressing. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and serve. It makes for a great entree salad (if you are cleansing) or a wonderful appetizer or side dish. Another bonus of this avocado salad is that it contains many colors of the rainbow. If you are familiar with Dherbs, you know that we preach the concept of eating the rainbow. This essentially means that you should eat as many different colored fruits and vegetables as possible in order to obtain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds.

This easy salad calls for just six ingredients: avocado, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. You can season the salad with sea salt and pepper, but we don’t count those as ingredients. If you don’t have sea salt and pepper in your kitchen, it’s time to level up, folks. Additionally, you can sub out the bell pepper for diced mango or strawberry if you want to add a tropical element to this salad.

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In today’s fast-paced society, many of us have grown accustomed to quick fixes and processed meals. Yet, our bodies are finely tuned to thrive on nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods—the very essence of what nature provides. When we shift our focus from calorie counting and packaged diets to the rich, vibrant world of whole foods, we discover that what we eat is more than just fuel. It’s a dynamic conversation between the earth and our bodies, one that has profound effects on our overall health.

The Living Nutrient Network

Whole foods are not merely a collection of vitamins and minerals; rather, they are a living network of natural compounds that work together in harmony to support our well-being. Unlike processed foods that isolate and strip away many of these vital elements, whole foods retain enzymes, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that contribute to our body’s ability to heal and regenerate.

Consider the natural integrity of a fresh apple plucked straight from an orchard. Beyond its juicy sweetness lies a complex matrix of nutrients that interact synergistically to aid digestion, support the immune system, and promote cellular repair. This intricate interplay is something modern food production often overlooks, yet it’s precisely this cooperation that can unlock a level of health many of us have never experienced before.

Soil, Sunlight, and Sustenance: The Farm-To-Table Connection

What you consume begins long before it reaches your plate. The health of your food is inextricably linked to the vitality of the soil, the quality of the water, and the care with which it is cultivated. When you embrace a farm-to-table approach, you’re not just choosing fresh produce; you’re reconnecting with the source of life itself.

Local farms that practice organic and sustainable methods work to preserve the natural ecosystem. The result is produce that is richer in natural nutrients, harvested at the peak of its flavor and nutritional potential. This direct connection from soil to plate not only enhances the taste of your food but also ensures that you receive the maximum health benefits—a concept that challenges the conventional reliance on supermarket shelves filled with long-transported, nutritionally diminished goods.

A Nutrient Symphony: Beyond Isolated Vitamins

For years, nutritional science focused on individual vitamins and minerals, often in isolation. However, emerging research suggests that the real power of nutrition lies in the synergy of compounds found in whole foods. These foods deliver a full spectrum of nutrients in their natural form, creating a “nutrient symphony” that supports optimal bodily functions.

For instance, the fiber in whole grains isn’t just important for digestion; it also works in tandem with antioxidants and phytochemicals to lower inflammation and enhance the absorption of other nutrients. This holistic interaction within whole foods can offer benefits that isolated supplements simply can’t match. It’s a revelation that reminds us: when we eat in harmony with nature, we’re not just surviving—we’re thriving.

Reconnecting With Nature: The Farm-To-Table Advantage

Embracing a farm-to-table lifestyle means more than just choosing organic produce. It represents a commitment to a healthier, more balanced way of living. Local, seasonal foods bring with them the vibrancy and diversity of the natural world, which, in turn, fuels our bodies with energy and vitality.

Imagine a community where farmers, chefs, and consumers are all connected by a shared commitment to healthy, sustainable eating. Each bite becomes a testament to the care taken from the moment the seed was planted until it was harvested and served. This approach does more than nourish your body; it nurtures the local economy, preserves the environment, and strengthens the bond between you and the food you eat. In doing so, you’re not just choosing a meal—you’re embracing a philosophy that honors the natural cycles of life.

How Whole Foods Transform Your Body

The impact of whole foods on the body is both subtle and profound. When you switch from processed options to a diet rich in whole foods, several beneficial changes can occur:

• Enhanced Digestion: The natural fiber and enzymes in whole foods aid in the efficient breakdown and absorption of nutrients. This improves digestion and can alleviate common issues like bloating and constipation.
  
• Balanced Energy Levels: Whole foods release energy more slowly and steadily than processed foods, so you don’t experience the classic spikes and crashes that typically result from eating processed foods. This balanced energy helps maintain focus and sustains physical activity throughout the day.
  
• Reduced Inflammation: The antioxidants and phytonutrients present in whole foods work to combat inflammation, a common underlying factor in many chronic health conditions.
  
• Boosted Immunity: By providing a wide array of natural nutrients, whole foods strengthen the immune system, making your body more resilient to infections and illnesses.
  
• Optimized Metabolism: The nutrient-rich profile of whole foods supports efficient metabolic processes, helping your body convert food into energy effectively.
  

These benefits reveal that healthy eating is not merely about weight management or calorie restriction—it’s about restoring and maintaining the natural harmony within your body.

Embracing a New Perspective on Healthy Eating

The shift towards whole foods and farm-to-table practices invites us to reimagine our relationship with food. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial promises of quick fixes and instead invest in a lifestyle that nurtures our body at its most fundamental level.

This perspective offers a liberating insight: by aligning your diet with nature’s rhythms, you empower your body to tap into its innate ability to heal, regenerate, and perform at its best. The transformation is gradual yet profound—over time, you begin to feel more energized, mentally clear, and physically resilient. It’s a subtle change that, once noticed, becomes unmistakable, inviting you to further explore the deep connection between what you eat and how you feel.

Embracing the Full Spectrum of Natural Nutrition

In a world dominated by synthetic supplements and processed alternatives, whole foods remind us that nature provides the most complete nourishment. Every bite of farm-fresh produce is an opportunity to reconnect with the earth, to experience the full spectrum of natural nutrients that have evolved over millennia to support life.

By choosing whole foods, you are opting for a way of eating that respects the complexity and intelligence of nature. It’s a decision that goes beyond diet—it’s a commitment to a lifestyle that values authenticity, sustainability, and true health. Dherbs stands by this philosophy, offering products and guidance that complement a diet rich in natural, unprocessed foods, thereby supporting a holistic approach to well-being.

Final Reflections

When you truly consider the journey of food—from the fertile soil to your table—you begin to appreciate the remarkable impact that whole, natural foods can have on your body. This isn’t just a nostalgic return to simpler times; it’s a forward-thinking approach to health that leverages the timeless wisdom of nature. Embracing a farm-to-table lifestyle means investing in your body’s natural ability to heal and flourish—a realization that redefines what it means to eat well.

Step into this renewed perspective on healthy eating. Allow yourself to experience the transformative power of whole foods and reconnect with the natural world. In doing so, you’re not just consuming food; you’re nourishing your body, mind, and spirit with the pure, unadulterated gifts of nature.

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You have undoubtedly ordered, or at least heard of, an acai bowl. Although acai berries and bananas typically make up the base for these bowls, dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or strawberry pear, is another common base. Are pitaya and dragon fruit the same thing, though? We will cover all that and more in this article.

What Is Pitaya?

Pitaya, or dragon fruit, is a low-calorie tropical fruit that has a subtly sweet and somewhat neutral flavor. The fruit has a pink exterior with green leaves, but it can either have white or vibrantly pink flesh inside. The pink pitaya is slightly richer in flavor and nutrients and exhibits a flavor similar to that of an earthy watermelon, but the seeds give it the consistency of a kiwi.

First discovered in Central America hundreds of years ago, this vibrant, tropical fruit has expanded across the globe. According to historians, early missionaries brought pitaya to Asia, where it is commonly known as dragon fruit. It’s not just a pretty fruit, though. Continue reading to learn more about its health benefits. 

May Promote Gut Health

There are trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome. In various human and animal studies, imbalances in the gut have been linked to poor immune health and more serious problems, such as heart disease. Having a greater amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut positively impacts your overall health. 

Pitaya is a natural source of prebiotics, which work to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics, just like all fibers, are not broken down by the gut. The bacteria in the gut can’t digest them, so bacteria essentially use prebiotics as fuel for growth. Regular consumption of prebiotics and probiotics can help reduce the risk of gut disorders. That said, more research is necessary to determine the direct effects of pitaya on gut health. 

Great Source Of Fiber

Fiber is best known for its role in digestion, but many research studies indicate that it may benefit heart function and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some preliminary research found that diets rich in fiber may help ward off colon cancer, but more research is still necessary in this field. It should be noted that there are no direct studies linking the consumption of pitaya to any of the aforementioned conditions. One cup of pitaya provides 5.6 grams (g) of fiber, which fulfills about one-fifth of the recommended daily intake (RDI). Generally speaking, the average adult should consume 25 to 30 g of fiber per day from food, not supplements.

May Prevent Against Chronic Disease

According to various studies, pitaya contains powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Betacyanins are the antioxidants that give pitaya its beautiful pink exterior. Studies confirm that these antioxidants work to reduce oxidative stress, or damage to cells, caused by an overabundance of free radicals in the body. The body produces free radicals when it breaks down food, or when you expose yourself to radiation, environmental pollution, or cigarette smoke. A buildup of these free radicals can accelerate cell aging and increase the risk of health problems, such as heart disease, arthritis, or cancer. 

The pink-fleshed pitaya contains phenolic compounds, which contribute to the taste, color, and health benefits. A 2021 report found that pitaya has the highest concentration of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity compared to white or yellow dragon fruits. Researchers believe that the microbiome shift caused by the prebiotics in pitaya may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Protection against other types of cancer may be attributed to the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other antioxidant compounds, but more research is necessary.

Encourages Healthy Blood Flow

By eating pitaya, you may help to improve overall blood flow throughout the body. It can’t be that simple, right? Not quite, unfortunately, but a small study of 18 younger, healthy people examined the effects of eating 24 g (just under an ounce) of pitaya powder daily, or a placebo. Researchers observed the outcomes that pitaya extract had on artery stiffness, blood pressure, and blood flow. All of these were measured one, two, three, and four hours after consumption, and after two weeks. 

The researchers found that those who consumed pitaya extract showed significant improvements in blood flow two, three, and four hours post consumption compared to the placebo group. Those results remained consistent even after the two-week period. Finally, researchers attribute these benefits to betalain, the plant’s red pigment.

May Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Even though pitaya contains natural sugar, eating it could actually help control your blood sugar levels. Research indicates that the antioxidant compounds in pitaya may help regenerate beta cells in the pancreas. These beta cells make and secrete insulin and amylin, two hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of pitaya may also play a role in this, as inflammation is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. 

A review from 2017 analyzed four previously published studies. The conclusion was that pitaya had a significant ability to help lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes. Although these results were not observed in people with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar reduced significantly when people consumed larger portions of pitaya.

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The holidays are filled with love, joy, merriment, family, and lots and lots of food. Too often are holiday dishes rich, heavy, and filled with unhealthy fats and excess salt. The worst part is that these unhealthy dishes are not just at the big holiday gathering. Coffee shops, work parties, gatherings with friends, and other events during this time of year feature an assortment of fattening foods. They are incredibly delicious, which is why they are so hard to resist. 

At a certain point, though, your body lets you know that it’s time to lighten the load. After all, the body can only take so much! The feelings of fullness last beyond the big meal because people continue eating leftovers for days. This is perfectly common, and most people call the remaining days of the year a wash because their fitness or health goals start on January 1st. Don’t be that person because that attitude can propel poor eating habits into the New Year. You want to get a head start on your healthy eating!

It’s perfectly acceptable to abandon ship, veer from the norm, and start making recipes that are much easier on the body after the holidays. Learn the leftover lesson from previous years and get back on the path to better health before the New Year. To help encourage detoxification, though, you need to eat the right foods. The following recipes should aid your detox efforts after some serious holiday eating. Let us know which recipe is your favorite in the comments below.

Fat Flush Detox Green Smoothie

Promote healthy digestion and detoxification after any big meal when you drink this detox green smoothie. It’ll help flush away the toxins that you accumulated during the holidays. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Homemade Lemon Ginger Turmeric Detox Tea

Skip the apple cider vinegar fire cider and start your day with this lemon ginger turmeric detox tea to activate the detox process and kickstart your immune system.

Click here to make the recipe.

Post-Holiday Detox Green Smoothie

Did you barely survive a long weekend of holiday eating? Jumpstart your health with this post-holiday detox green smoothie.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Alkalizing Green Detox Soup

If you had a long weekend or season of heavy eating, help detox the body with this alkalizing green soup with essential nutrients.

Click here to make the recipe.

Fat Flush Soup

Need a meal to help you get rid of those excess pounds from an indulgent weekend? What a coincidence, because this recipe does exactly that!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Kale Apple Carrot Salad

A super simple kale salad that is filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a tasty way to help your family enjoy raw veggies!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Nori Wraps With Turmeric Cashew Cream

These vegetable nori wraps with a turmeric cashew cream are irresistibly delicious and boast tons of health benefits, too.

Click here to make the recipe.

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If you are looking to support the health of your skin, joints, and hair, you will need collagen. Many people purchase collagen powders or supplements and add them to their teas, coffees, smoothies, and more. Although collagen products are incredibly popular, most people are unaware of what collagen does and how they can preserve it. 

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in animals. A structural protein makes up the structure or framework of both cells and tissues. There are 28 types of collagen, but type 1 collagen accounts for nearly 90% of all collagen in the human body. Collagen is mostly composed of the amino acids proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form strands that make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen.

The body naturally produces collagen, but collagen production starts to decline some time during your twenties at a rate of about 1% per year. UV exposure, inflammatory diets, lack of sleep, harsh products, and stress can exacerbate this decline. For this reason, many dermatologists encourage a skin care routine that helps preserve collagen. Use vitamin C serum, experiment with retinol if the skin can tolerate it, and wear sunscreen if you go outside. 

Although there are things you can do to help protect collagen, one of the best ways to care for it is through a healthy diet. The food you eat can influence collagen production. Certain foods, especially those with antioxidants, can help protect the skin from free radicals and support the skin barrier. Continue reading to learn about five antioxidants that help keep the skin firm.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid phytonutrient and powerful antioxidant that has demonstrated an ability to protect skin cells. Other studies confirm that astaxanthin can help preserve the collagen layer because it has impressive photo protective and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers note that astaxanthin’s free radical fighting powers are five times more powerful than beta-carotene. It’s about 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C! Although vitamin C, which we will get to next, is a powerful antioxidant, it should not be the only one you rely on to encourage collagen production.

Vitamin C

You cannot talk about the skin without having vitamin C in the conversation. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the collagen production process. The skin’s fibroblasts rely on vitamin C to synthesize collagen. According to many studies, fibroblasts cannot effectively make collagen when vitamin C levels are low. Vitamin C works to stabilize the collagen molecule and preserve existing collagen by neutralizing free radicals. For this reason, researchers believe that ingesting vitamin C is the best way to support overall skin health. 

Blood Orange Extract

Blood orange is not in season all year, but it’s very popular during the winter months. What is even more popular, especially in the world of skin care, is blood orange extract. It contains numerous antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavanones, vitamin C, and hydroxycinnamic acids, which are non-flavonoid phenols. That means that you get all of the benefits of those compounds in one extract. Due to the antioxidant power of blood orange extract, it helps reduce oxidative stress, which causes collagen breakdown. A 100-milligram dose of blood orange extract is effective at reducing proinflammatory levels of cytokine TNF-a in the body. Additionally, one study found that it was able to improve skin elasticity by 5.9% in just 14 days, and 13.9% in 56 days. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an oil-soluble antioxidant that helps support vitamin C inside the body. Vitamins C and E have a synergistic relationship, with one study confirming that vitamin E increased vitamin C’s efficacy eightfold. On top of that, vitamin C regenerates vitamin E after vitamin E scavenges for free radicals in the body. Finally, vitamin E can help protect against collagen cross-linking, a process during which collagen becomes hard and stiff. That process can cause the skin to appear hard and stiff, and it contributes to accelerated aging. 

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are plant compounds that are types of antioxidants commonly found in fruits and vegetables. According to research, polyphenols can help boost digestion, improve brain function, and protect against several chronic diseases. Additionally, polyphenols have proven effective at helping the skin manage UV exposure. That is particularly important because UV damage is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown. Although sunscreen is the most effective way to protect the skin, eating more foods rich in polyphenols will help that process.

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According to research studies and surveys, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults is age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. In fact, a 2022 report found that an estimated 20 million people in the United States over the age of 40 had AMD. It is very common for eyesight to get worse with age, be it from AMD, cataracts, or other ocular diseases. Fortunately, there are exercises you can do and foods you can eat that help support eye health. 

What Is AMD?

AMD is an eye disease that can blur central vision. This occurs when aging causes damage to the macula, a part of the eye that controls straight-ahead vision. The macula is a part of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. AMD is a very common condition, and the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Losing central vision makes it difficult to see faces, read, drive, or do close-up tasks. 

The condition can come on slowly in some people and faster in others. Scientists believe that one of the primary causes of AMD is exposure to oxidative stress (cell damage) and inflammatory reactions. Because of this, the theory is that including more nutrients that support vision in your diet can be beneficial in preventing AMD. Some of those nutrients include carotenoids that fight against reactive oxygen species (ROS). 

How Do Carotenoids Support Vision?

Carotenoids are the red, orange, and yellow pigments produced by plants. Astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and xanthophylls are specific carotenoids that demonstrate impressive antioxidant activity. Some studies have found these carotenoids to protect the eyes from oxidative damage. 

Both lutein and zeaxanthin are found in concentrations 1,000 times higher in the eye than other tissues in the body. Reportedly, these are beneficial in reducing the risk of developing AMD. One study found that participants with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin were 65% less likely to develop neovascular AMD compared to people with the lowest intake. Another study from 2022 found that these two carotenoids were able to protect the retina and lens from age-related changes.

Although astaxanthin is not as concentrated in the eye, it does have antioxidant properties that are ten times greater than lutein and zeaxanthin. Astaxanthin has demonstrated an ability to address choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is a hallmark feature in AMD. This feature causes oxidative stress and inflammation and blood vessels grow in the eye and leak as a result. That can lead to vision loss. 

How To Get More Carotenoids In Your Diet

The body cannot make carotenoids on its own, so it is your responsibility to consume them via foods or dietary supplements. In order to support eye health and vision longevity, experts encourage you to consume at least 10 milligrams (mg) of lutein, two mg of zeaxanthin, and six mg of astaxanthin per day.

In which foods can you find these carotenoids? Well, lutein and zeaxanthin are readily available in leafy greens (kale, spinach, and collards), avocado, orange bell peppers, green peas, and eggs. Astaxanthin primarily exists in marine-derived foods, such as shrimp, salmon, lobster, and algae. All three of these carotenoids, however, are available in various eye supplements, should you not want to worry about consuming specific foods every day. 

At the end of the day, your eyesight will get worse with age, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Try to increase your intake of the carotenoids we detailed in this article to help support eye health and protect them from AMD and other causes of age-related vision loss.

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Anyone in the mood for a….mocktail? This delicious creation is going to change your holiday party game. Whether you are hosting a party or attending one, you can make this tasty beverage and enjoy yourself without the extra sugar and calories that come with traditional alcohol beverages. This is also an excellent drink to enjoy if you are a friend of Bill W (a person who belongs to the Alcoholics Anonymous program, for those who didn’t get the reference).

This refreshing non-alcoholic beverage hits all the rate notes. It is sweet yet tart and bright with a festive finish. It hits all the right notes for special holiday occasions. You can celebrate the holidays or ring in the New Year with this refreshing beverage. Planning a dry January? This drink is perfectly suited for your newly sober lifestyle. You can even drink this with your kids, so long as you let them drink sparkling water.

Although the cranberries are optional, we encourage you to incorporate them into your beverage. The reason for this twofold: they make the drink more visually stunning and they add a subtle tartness to the drink. Plus, fresh cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and have a limited window of availability in grocery stores. You can even add fresh pomegranate arils to your drink for added visual appeal. Finally, make sure that you choose 100% pure pomegranate juice, as many store bought varieties can contain a lot of added sugars. Cheers to your health!

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Taste the flavors of fall in this unique spiced orange cranberry smoothie! The spices are aromatic and perfectly complement the tartness of cranberries, sweetness of pear, and acidity of fresh oranges. Although this smoothie only contains fruit, it packs a serious nutritional punch. It offers lots of antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Because of the impressive nutrient content, this is a great smoothie to enjoy post-holiday meal. It really helps kickstart the digestive process after the big holiday feast!

If you have frozen cranberries, you can use them instead of fresh cranberries. That said, fresh cranberries have a limited window of availability in grocery stores, so we encourage you to get your hands on them while they are in stores. Save some other cranberries for a homemade cranberry sauce (click here for recipe). What we don’t want you to do, however, is use frozen orange juice from concentrate. You need freshly squeezed orange juice, but you also need to peel an orange, separate the segments, and freeze overnight. This will enhance that orange flavor in your smoothie.

Since there are some tart flavors in this smoothie, feel free to add some raw agave nectar or maple syrup for sweetness. If you use a ripe pear, though, the natural sugars will help balance the tart cranberries and oranges. Please enjoy this refreshing and unique smoothie that represents autumn to a T!

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