Red Food Synergy: Phytonutrient Power for Energy, Endurance, and a Radiant Healthspan

Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, and Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH (AHG) take us on a tour of red superfood phytonutrients found in beets, algae, and mountain spinach. They discuss the far reaching benefits of betacyanins, nitrates, electrolytes and more. Learn how each of these phytonutrients impacts overall health and vitality, including increased energy and endurance, as well as cardiometabolic, eye, skin, and muscle health. Mimi also explains the fascinating concept of xenohormesis and how wild-crafted and organically-grown plants contain a higher phytonutrient content, and why that matters. Mimi Prunella Hernandez is a clinical herbalist with a passion for research-based applications and experience in the natural product industry. She has educated students and medical practitioners in herbal medicine through various platforms, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific insights. She is currently an Herbal Therapy Liaison and clinical educator for Standard Process. She is the author of the National Geographic Herbal and coauthor of the National Geographic Backyard Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Highlights of the episode include: Mimi's experience of visiting the mountain spinach field at the Standard Process Organic Farm Red beets – there's more to beets than just nitrates Synergy of mountain spinach and beets: connection to exercise endurance and recovery Astaxanthin – a green algae turns red when stressed Mimi as speaker at the Whole Systems Nutrition Symposium on October 24th – addressing soil health and modern nutrition challenges Podcast Summary 2:23 Mimi's experience of visiting the mountain spinach field at the Standard Process Organic Farm 6:54 Betacyanins found in mountain spinach, prickly pear fruit, dragon fruit, and beets 9:39 Mimi's passion for connecting tradition with science 10:25 Mountain spinach was one of the first cultivated leafy greens, an ancient staple crop 13:18 Differences between spinach and red mountain spinach; electrolyte and mineral content, including chromium 15:26 Protein content in mountain spinach 16:30 Red beets – there's more to beets than just nitrates 18:25 The significance of betalains and their influence on endurance and rehabilitation 19:39 Beets for postmenopausal women 20:30 Synergy of mountain spinach and beets: connection to exercise endurance and recovery 23:20 Whole beets grown to optimize nutrient density to create a low glycemic food 25:25 Optimal cardiometabolic health – an important study, and helpful tools to maintain healthy habits 31:20 Study on astaxanthin and it's affects on endurance and physical activity 33:24 Astaxanthin: the red advantage over the blue screen, relief for digital eye strain 36:53 Xenohormesis – wild-harvested and organically-grown plants that struggle more produce higher amounts of phytochemicals, therefore offer more benefits to those who consume them 39:35 Astaxanthin – a green algae turns red when stressed 42:54 When we consume astaxanthin, we may inherit the survival signals from this phytochemical that benefits salmon, algae and more 43:14 Astaxanthin trending antioxidant for skin health 48:05 The synergy of red foods like beets, astaxanthin, and mountain spinach for cardiometabolic, eye, skin and muscle health 49:40 Astaxanthin and it's affect on blood sugar management 52:00 Adding life to our years: Red food phytochemicals help to improve quality of life on all levels, including increased energy, endurance, and overall vitality. Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH (AHG) as speaker at Whole Systems Symposium Virtual Symposium on October 24th