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Antioxidants
Posted on 8th Nov 2015
Antioxidants – what are they?
Every day the cells in our body are flooded with oxygen. Though oxygen is extremely important for our body’s health, exposure to oxygen isn’t. Oxygen causes oxidation. During oxidation our body’s chemicals change and form free radicals. Free radicals are also created when we come in contact with environmental factors like cigarette smoke, alcohol, pollution, allergens and UV rays.
With time, those free radicals can cause a chain reaction inside of us that damage important body chemicals, cells and DNA. There are cells that will heal and then there are cells that will be forever damaged. Studies have shown free radicals may be a factor in diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and wrinkles. Antioxidants are natural products that inhibit free radicals from causing damage to your cells. To some extent, antioxidants protect and may even reverse the damage caused by oxidation.
Antioxidants - where are they found?
A healthy body will produce some antioxidants to fight free radicals. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables high in vitamin A, E, C, lutein, beta-carotene, selenium and lycopene is always a good choice but also very beneficial in keeping your antioxidant levels at its peak. Supplements are another good source to help combat free radicals and provide the additional antioxidants we need.
Antioxidants – which foods should I add to my grocery list?
- Liver, milk, butter (from grass fed cows is awesome) and eggs are high in Vitamin A.
- Vegetables like Brussel sprouts, bell peppers, tomatoes kale and cauliflower are high in Vitamin C. Fruits that contain high levels of C are oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries and kiwi.
- Almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and peanuts are a great source for Vitamin E. It can also be found in green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. Let’s not leave out the oils like sunflower, grape seed and walnut. These oils are also very fun to cook with and can add great flavor to your rice and vegetables.
- Another plus for those green leafy vegetables and peas, corn and oranges is Lutein. On top of being a big antioxidant, Lutein’s role in eye health is starting to become widely recognized.
- During the summer months eat lots of pink grapefruit, watermelon and tomatoes all rich in Lycopene
- Cereals from corn, rice or wheat, nuts, legumes, animal products (beef, fish, turkey, chicken, eggs and pasta all contain Selenium. Selenium is good for brain power and thyroid functions.
So, before you head out on your next shopping spree let’s make a grocery list high in antioxidants and to help supplement your bodies needs please visit Meditrend to learn more about antioxidants and their benefits.
