Eat Anti-oxidant Rich Foods

Antioxidants are chemicals that slow or prevent cell damage. They are both man-made and occur naturally in various types of food, including seafood, marine plants, and fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants act as one of the body’s first lines of defense against free radicals. Free radicals are essentially broken atoms which latch onto electrons from other cells. They can lead to abnormalities in cell reproduction and growth. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from causing damage to other cells by donating electrons to unstable free radicals. Antioxidants can also prevent the process of oxidation from ever starting, which in turn prevents free radicals.

Who are they good for?

Antioxidants contribute to good health in moderation. Consuming large-doses of antioxidants can actually be harmful to the body.

If you are considering taking an antioxidant supplement, make sure you consult with your doctor or dietician first. It is incredibly easy to get all the antioxidants you need from eating a variety of different foods, and taking supplements may give you higher amounts than you need, which can potentially be harmful. In general, people who eat foods that contain antioxidants improve their health. This is because antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, which are known to help lower the risk of some cancers and heart disease. It is important to consume foods rich in antioxidants if you are exercising. Physical exertion can cause you to consume ten times the amount of oxygen you normally use, which leads to an increase in the production of oxidants that cause muscular fatigue.

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There are many different types of food which are rich in antioxidants. Blue, red, and purple grapes are loaded with phytochemicals, which help to protect against heart disease and cancer. They also help boost your immune system and contain selenium and vitamin C. Blueberries are also high in antioxidants and help to lower inflammation and protect cells from damage. They contain many of the minerals and vitamins known to strengthen the immune system. Strawberries and raspberries can help protect against cancer-causing agents in both the environment and your diet because they contain ellagic acid. Antioxidants are found in foods other than fruit as well. Nuts, for example, offer many different phytochemicals and minerals. Walnuts, for example, are high in plant-based omega-3s. Most nuts also help lower cholesterol. Dark green veggies are another type of food that is rich in antioxidants. They contain calcium and vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain kaempferol, which has cancer-fighting properties and also helps dilate blood vessels. Types of dark green vegetables include: kale, spinach, and leeks. Tea is also high in antioxidants, and contains two potent phytochemicals: pro-anthocyanin and anthocyanin, both of which help fight inflammation. Green tea in particular contributes many protective phytochemicals, such as EGCG, an extremely potent antioxidant. Lastly, whole grains are also rich in antioxidants. If you are looking to improve your health with one simple switch, switch to whole grains. Studies have shown that people who eat one serving of whole grains a day have a much lower risk of stroke and heart disease.