Antioxidants are molecules that aid in fighting numerous amounts of free radicals inside the human body. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause harm by breaking down cells in the body. They’ve been linked to diabetes, heart disease, cataracts, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.
Therefore, your body needs antioxidants to fight free radicals and ensure balanced and good health. Though free radicals can serve the body in small amounts, it’s important that free radicals never out-number antioxidants either, as this can push your body into oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage DNA and other essential molecules in your body and cause cell death.
One of the most important and well-known benefits of antioxidants is the boost they give to your skin! Antioxidants have long been known to keep skin revitalized and free from environmental stress, but how exactly do they do it? Free radicals are not only linked to a multitude of diseases, but they also contribute to premature aging of the body. Antioxidants have been proven to combat all signs of premature aging, help fight against harsh UV damage from the sun, and calm additional inflammation that can harm your skin caused by free radicals. This is why many skincare brands will proudly brag about having lots of antioxidants in their products.
Because antioxidants are such effective fighters against free radicals, they can also help our eyes and mental health and ensure a healthy aging process. Antioxidants have been shown to provide protective benefits against age-related mascular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years of age or older.
Oxidative stress can also cause damage to your brain, particularly the hippocampus area, which has been linked to memory loss and other disorders, such as depression. Antioxidants can help keep free radicals from causing the oxidative stress that takes a toll on your brain and aging process. So always make sure to get a boost in antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and prevent its consequences on your body and health.
How to Improve Your Antioxidant Levels
Although your body can produce antioxidants, sometimes its just not enough. Luckily, you can find antioxidants elsewhere, such as in food and good supplements.
Nourishing your body with great nutritional supplements can give you a boost when your nutrition is low. Minerals are crucial to aiding your body in developing and functioning as it should.
Foods High in Antioxidants That Will Make You Healthier
It’s no secret that with a balanced diet, you can get a healthy dose of antioxidants to combat free radicals and leave your body feeling strong and healthy. Many tasty foods you can incorporate into your diet are packed full with antioxidants. You’d be surprised how accessible these foods can be.
- Berries
Berries, especially red berries, are an excellent source of antioxidants and a sweet nutritional treat. Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are specifically some of the berries that contain the most antioxidants, and they also keep your cholesterol in check. Berries are easy to throw into a variety of meals, such as smoothies, trail mix, or even salads. - Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens contain large amounts of certain antioxidants. Throwing leafy greens into a delicious salad can make a quick meal rich in antioxidants. - Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain many antioxidants, such as lycopene. The best part of all is that you can enjoy tomatoes in various dishes. - Avocados
Avocados contain carotenoids and other nutrients which have exceptional antioxidants properties. Avocados have a variety of benefits and are considered a healthy fat, so you can boost your meals and your antioxidant levels by throwing them into many of your favourite dishes. You can enjoy avocado on toast, in a smoothie, tossed into salad filled with leafy greens and tomatoes. - Cucumbers
Seeded cucumbers are low-calorie, high-antioxidant crisp vegetables that can help regulate your blood sugar levels. Cucumbers carry flavonoids, lignans, and triterpenes, which have antioxidant properties.
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