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What is an Antioxidant?
More people than every before are making a conscious effort to ensure that their body and mind get the nutrients they need to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Antioxidant is a buzzword that the majority of us have heard before, but have you ever considered factoring foods that can also protect your cells into your diet?
What is an antioxidant?
Helping to fight oxidation (a chemical process that takes part in the body every single day), antioxidants help to prevent cell damage caused by oxidants.
Also known as free radicals, oxidants are produced naturally in the body to help fight microbes and viruses, however if your body produces too many, it can actually cause serious damage and, in severe cases, even lead to heart disease and some cancers.
Triggered by alcohol, smoking, and air pollution, oxidants can be highly unstable and destructive.
So why should we consume antioxidants?
In order to counteract all of those free radicals, it’s important that you have the perfect balance of oxidants and antioxidants in your body.
Antioxidants have not only been proven to improve wrinkles and the health of your heart, but they can also reduce your chances of getting cancer and even lower high blood pressure.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why many experts state that antioxidants should be a compulsory part of your everyday diet.
What types of food contain antioxidants?
There are thousands of antioxidant compounds found a diverse range of foods but some of the most popular antioxidants include catechins and vitamins A, C, and E.
Blueberries are forever stealing the spotlight due to the fact they are rich in antioxidants. But, they are not the only food source to contain high levels of antioxidants.
The majority of plant based foods and drinks contain antioxidant properties, including red peppers, grapes, apples, and potatoes, as well as many herbs and spices.
However, despite antioxidants being present in a variety of different foods, it’s still difficult to get the antioxidants you need from your diet, which is why many people rely on supplements to feed their body with the nutrients they need.