Fresh News from Blueprint 8 Insider

Welcome to Blueprint 8 Insider, your newest ally in the journey towards optimal health and wellness!

What Do Antioxidants Do in the Body?

Antioxidants help protect the body by neutralizing free radicals. These unstable molecules are produced as a response to environmental pressures and other factors. When free radicals accumulate, they can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to several chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Benefits of Antioxidants

1. Cellular Protection: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and carotenoids shield cells from damage due to free radicals.

2. Immune Support: By mitigating oxidative stress, antioxidants bolster the immune system and decrease the risk of infections.

3. Anti-aging Properties: Antioxidants can decelerate the aging process of cells, potentially enhancing skin health and reducing aging signs.

4. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular intake of antioxidant-rich foods is thought to protect against various chronic diseases by preserving systemic health and reducing inflammation.

Foods High in Antioxidants

Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants into your diet is beneficial for maintaining health. Here are some excellent sources:

- Berries: Such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, which are known for their high antioxidant levels.

- Nuts and Seeds: Including almonds, pecans, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, which are good sources of vitamin E.

- Dark Green Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and broccoli are loaded with vitamins C and E, alongside other antioxidants.

- Beans: Kidney, pinto, and black beans are rich in antioxidant compounds.

- Whole Grains: Oats, barley, and quinoa provide unique antioxidants not typically found in fruits and vegetables.

- Dark Chocolate: Especially varieties with at least 70% cocoa, which are rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.

Antioxidants and Gut Health

The link between antioxidants and gut health is significant. Antioxidants help reduce gut inflammation, fostering a healthier balance of gut flora. This is essential as the gut microbiome plays a critical role in the immune function and in the synthesis of key vitamins.

Conclusion

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants is a proactive strategy to enhance overall health and protect against various diseases. Regularly consuming antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and dark chocolate can contribute to better gut health and a stronger immune system. Embracing these foods can offer delicious and substantial health benefits, making them a worthwhile addition to a balanced diet.

This Week’s Recipe

Healthier Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients:

• Hard Chocolate Shell:

  1/2 cup cocoa butter

  1/2 cup cocoa powder

  1/4 cup honey

  1 tsp vanilla extract

  Peanut Butter Filling:

  1 cup crunchy peanut butter

  1/2 cup butter, softened

  1 tsp vanilla extract

  1/4 cup crystallized honey

• Instructions:

  Melt cocoa butter; blend with cocoa powder, honey, vanilla.

  Pour into mold; refrigerate for 1 hour.

  Mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla.

  Beat in honey; fill molds.

  Top with hard chocolate shell.

  Chill, then savor every bite!

What is grounding or earthing, and should you do it?

 What is Grounding or Earthing?

Grounding simply means walking barefoot on the earth, such as grass, sand, or soil, to improve your physical and mental health. The concept is that the earth carries a negative charge and is constantly generating electrons that can neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Proponents of grounding say this connection can be achieved either outdoors by walking barefoot on the earth or indoors via conductive systems such as grounding mats.

 Benefits of Grounding

Grounding has been touted for a myriad of health benefits, according to research and various studies. Here are some of the most notable:

- Reduction of Inflammation: By neutralizing free radicals, grounding can help reduce inflammation, a cause of many chronic diseases.

- Improvement of Sleep and Pain: As suggested by a study from the Journal of Inflammatory Research, grounding can help improve sleep and reduce chronic pain.

- Decreasing Stress: Contact with the earth has been shown to alter the electrical activity in the brain, producing a calming effect.

- Improvement in Circulation: Grounding can improve blood flow, increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues in your body.

You can read more about this study and its findings on the benefits of grounding (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/).

PEMF Mats as an Alternative

For those who cannot access a natural environment regularly, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) mats offer an alternative. These devices mimic the earth's electromagnetic field and can be used at home to provide some of the same grounding benefits.

PEMF mats work by emitting electromagnetic waves that stimulate the body’s natural recovery processes. Regular use of a PEMF mat can lead to improved energy levels, better sleep, and reduced pain and inflammation.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to walk barefoot on the beach or use a PEMF mat at home, grounding can be a valuable addition to your health and wellness regimen. By reconnecting with the earth’s natural energy, you can potentially foster greater physical and mental health.

This week’s newsletter is sponsored by:

Our wellness program is coming together and will be available in the next month! This will be accessible on your computer or cellular device!

The benefits of the platform will include:

1. Access to the all courses and all new courses

2. Recipe database and nutrition information

3. Private online community

4. Cooking tutorials for healthier eating

5. Meal Creator and Nutrition Tool

6. Exclusive invites on events

7. Access to private live webinars with experts

8. Email updates on exciting new information

Was this email forwarded to you? You can subscribe here.