An Interview about Antioxidants with Dr. Brad Crump, Health Services Manager

Q: With all the fad diets that come and go, why is a diet that is rich in antioxidants worth holding on to?

A: Antioxidants are those nutrients that can slow down oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can be looked at as “rusting” in the body. Where there is oxygen, there will be reactions that produce free radicals. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that have the capacity to cause cell and tissue damage. Antioxidants are nutrients that can make free radicals more stable and decrease their ability to cause harmful reactions in the body.

Due to the environment in which we live and even through the normal process of detoxification where free radical s are produced, it becomes essential to provide the body a constant source of antioxidant rich foods.


Q: Can you suggest some super fruits that are worth adding to your diet due to their antioxidant benefits?

A: According to the best research, those fruits that are most beneficial for their antioxidant benefits are:

• Blueberries


• Cherries


• Pomegranates


• Raspberries


• Blackberries


• Oranges


• Red Grapes


• Cranberry


• Apples


• Plums


• Prunes

You can never go wrong with berries. They are nutrient dense, have a low glycemic index and of course, are a rich source of disease fighting antioxidants.

Q: Does Red Mountain Resort & Spa has an antioxidant diet or detox diet?

A: Red Mountain has a monthly detoxification week where a specific menu is provided for those participating in the program. The meals plans consist of antioxidant rich foods and detoxification smoothies as well as other anti-inflammatory foods.

The meal plans specifically remove the most common allergenic/inflammatory foods including dairy, wheat, gluten, corn, refined flours and sugars, alcohol and caffeine. It also includes a wide variety of antioxidant dense foods such as berries and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, red peppers, onions and eggplant.

Q: How do you recommend making an antioxidant rich diet part of ones' life?

A: All meals and snack should consist of a healthy amount of antioxidant rich foods. The key is to identify those that are most pleasing to you and incorporate them into diet. Most people enjoy having a smoothie for breakfast. This can consist of a wide variety of antioxidant rich fruits. Adding blueberries to oatmeal or other hot cereal is an option. At Red Mountain, we utilize special extracts that can be added to water to make them more flavorful and increase intake of these health promoting nutrients.

Q: Can you drink your antioxidants?

A: Preparing an antioxidant rich drink is a convenient and effective way of adding antioxidants to your diet. As mentioned, Red Mountain utilizes detox smoothies and extracts added to water. We always encourage eating whole foods to increase fiber consumption.

A daily smoothie is a great way to get your antioxidants. Here is a sample of a healthy smoothie:

• ½ cup of apple juice


• ½ banana


• 1/8 cup blueberries


• 1/8 cup raspberries


• 1/8 cup blackberries


• 1/8 cup strawberries


• 2 tbs ground flax seed


• 1 scoop of rice protein powder


• 2-3 ice cubes