Antioxidant Pomegranate Power Elixir

Even before the date on my computer changes or pumpkin-related Insta posts start popping up, my body knows exactly when summer is turning into autumn. Even if the weather is still warm and some days I pretend that I’m still on vacation, my skin and brain tell me that summer is gone and it’s time to get ready for cold weather. This is when I know I have to switch to warming soups, roasted veggies and beauty elixirs to make sure my cells get all the antioxidants they need to build immunity and keep my skin glowing even when it’s freezing outside.

Seasonal fruits and veggies are the best way to fuel your body with fresh nutrients and enzymes. A walk in the park will show you every shade of red and yellow, and it’s the same at the farmer’s market. Forget about summer produce, packed with minerals and water to keep you hydrated during the heat, and say hello to pomegranates, pumpkins, red bell peppers, carrots, beets, plums and red grapes. All of these are packed with the antioxidants your body craves before winter when fresh produce is rare.

Pomegranate is my go-to fresh ingredient in autumn and winter, and I add it not only to smoothies and juices, but also in salads and as a garnish for hearty dishes. Their sweet and sour taste balances the earthy taste of some vegetables, adding a refreshing twist to some boring winter dishes. Pomegranate seeds come with an unique antioxidant nutrient combo, with cancer-preventing, cardiovascular health promoting and skin nourishing properties.

To create this power elixir, I combined some of autumn’s superstars–pomegranate, beet and red grapes–with dark chocolate. The result is a nourishing combination of fresh vitamins, minerals and enzymes to protect your skin and fuel the detoxifying activity of your liver. The gorgeous pink color comes from the combination of betalains, anthocyanins and resveratrol – a highly potent antioxidant mix to help your body stay healthy throughout the cold season.

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