Unlocking the Power of Antioxidants: Benefits of Indulging in Antioxidant-Loaded Foods
Antioxidants – we hear a lot about them and we’re encouraged to eat them, but have you asked yourself: What even is an antioxidant? As we battle different colds, flu and respiratory illnesses, antioxidants are at the forefront of prevention.
So, let’s explore antioxidants, what they do, the different types, and five ways we can get more antioxidants in our bodies.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances found in food that help to protect your cells from damage caused by harmful things. These harmful things are known as “free radicals”. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, which can contribute to a variety of health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and premature aging. Antioxidants can help neutralize these free radicals, helping to prevent the damage they may cause. We can understand antioxidants as the superheroes and free radicals as the villains.
Free radicals can be formed from external sources such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, or UV radiation. They can also be formed from internal processes in the human body, through foods that we eat. Processed food, especially meat, like bacon or sausage can produce a lot of free radicals which can cause lots of damage to cells and organs all throughout the body. This damage can potentially lead to chronic disease and illness.
Here’s how antioxidants, the superheroes, save the day.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals and nutrients that help put out the fire that these free radicals started. They keep your immune system strong and help to prevent chronic diseases.
Four Easy Ways to Increase Antioxidants
Diets high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts are good sources of antioxidants. The more colorful your diet, the more antioxidants. So when it comes to fruits and vegetables, eat the rainbow!
Fruit for Dessert
Fruits are a versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including fresh, frozen, and canned. However, it is important to note that cooking fruits can potentially cause a loss of their vitamin C nutrients.
Many fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a great choice for a satisfying and nutritious dessert. Some favorite desserts made with fruit include fruit salad, fruit sorbet, and apple pie.
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are packed with antioxidants. They also are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. They can be eaten raw and are often used in baking and cooking as a topping or ingredient. Nuts are also a popular snack and can be found in a variety of forms, such as whole, chopped, or as nut butters. It’s important to note that some individuals may have nut allergies and should avoid consuming them. Nuts also contain quite a bit of calories so it’s good to be mindful of serving sizes.
Spices and Herbs
When it comes to cooking, replacing salt with spices is a great way to reduce your sodium, which can have some bad effects on your heart and your blood pressure. Spices and herbs such as ginger, oregano, rosemary, turmeric, and cinnamon have tons of antioxidants and they will make your food taste delicious too.
Veggie Salads
A salad doesn’t always mean iceberg, lettuce, and ranch dressing. We’re taking our salads to a whole new level. Experiment with making non-traditional salads with lots of colorful vegetables. Try adding peas, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, beets, beans, and fruit to your next salad. These colorful foods not only increase your antioxidant intake but add tons of flavor and variety to an otherwise boring meal. Another good thing is that vegetable salads don’t require cooking. Thumbs up for that. Make a large portion ahead of time and break it into smaller servings to save in your fridge for quick meals throughout the week. Meal prep 101!
Tea
Tea, particularly green and black tea, is a rich source of antioxidants. The antioxidants in tea, specifically catechins – found in green tea and theaflavins – found in black tea, have been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Superpower For Your Body: Antioxidants
Well there you have it, 5 easy ways to increase antioxidants in your body through the foods that you eat. Remember, it’s always better to get your vitamins from whole foods, rather than supplements, as the combinations of nutrients in whole foods can provide additional health benefits. Eating a balanced diet can help protect your body from a variety of health issues. By making smart food choices, you will be the superhero on a mission to protect your body.
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