As scientists have made gains in their understanding of cellular health, we’ve become more aware of how our choices can impact our body’s ability to function properly. Healthy cells can mean greater longevity.
One way to maintain cellular health is to make sure you’re getting enough antioxidants.
What are antioxidants?
You can’t talk about antioxidants without talking about free radicals.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that our cells are pretty much always under attack. The threats come from the world around us, from viruses to pollution to everyday unhealthy choices we make.
Our cells are even being attacked from within by free radicals. As our body breaks down food and turns it into energy, the byproduct is free radicals, which are electron-hungry cell-attacking machines.
Antioxidants are our best line of defense against free radicals. Antioxidants fulfill free radicals’ electron needs, allowing our cells to live to fight another day.
When you don’t get adequate amounts of antioxidants, you’ll have an excess amount of free radicals. That leaves them free to go after your cells, which causes stress on the body and can lead to cell damage and chronic disease.
When you get a lot of antioxidants, your cells are functioning at their best. Your overall health is better and you feel stronger. Essentially, a diet rich in antioxidants allows your body to fire on all cylinders.
Common antioxidants
There are a huge variety of substances that can act as antioxidants. Most people are familiar with Vitamin C, E, Zinc and Selenium.
How do I get antioxidants
Antioxidants can be found in a lot of food and beverage, especially those that are plant-based.
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, beef, poultry
- Zinc: Beef, poultry, oysters, shrimp, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, cashews
- Vitamin C: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, leafy greens , kale, kiwi, lemon, orange, strawberries, sweet potato, tomatoes
- Vitamin E: Almonds, avocado, leafy greens, peanuts, sunflower seeds
According to Datassential, the term antioxidant is widely used in health food items, and it’s most commonly used on menus as a functional beverage. It can be found most widely used in the fast casual segment, where it appears alongside menu items like bowls, smoothies and tea.
There is a good chance you’ll start seeing the term antioxidant used more frequently as you dine out, especially at regional chains. Datassential forecasts 8% menu penetration growth over the next four years.
What antioxidants are in All Friends?
All Friends beverage infusions are an ‘excellent source’ of several key ingredients, including antioxidants. In order to be considered an excellent source’ of anything, a product needs to provide at least 20% of the daily recommended intake of the ingredient.
We’ve infused our beverages with 30% of the recommended intake of zinc, selenium and vitamin E. They also contain 150% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
The average beverage you find at the soda fountain rarely contains any of these ingredients. On the rare occasion that they do, they often have lots of sugar, artificial ingredients, colors and flavors.
That’s why health conscious Gen Z and Millennial consumers are skipping the soda fountain, which means less revenue for operators. For customers looking for a treat, All Friends offers a tasty better-for-you antioxidant-infused option, and an opportunity for operators to make their beverage program more profitable.
Taste is king with All Friends, but there is an operational perk as well: All Friends pairs seamlessly with your existing menu items. Operators who specialize in Latin or Asian-inspired flavors, for example, will love the Mango Chili. This spicy-sweet infusion can stand up to the boldness of a burrito or coconut curry.
Meanwhile the always-popular Strawberry Hibiscus is the Swiss Army knife of the lineup. This jammy take on strawberry pairs well with just about anything on your menu.
It doesn’t end there, and the best part is that we’ll help you integrate it into your business. Our marketing and innovation teams can help design the best program for your needs. From in-store signage to custom recipes, consider us a partner as you launch your newer more profitable beverage program!
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