Jun
Antioxidantsare the latest inhealthbuzz that help you in staying healthy and keeping fit. But do you really know what they are?
Yes, antioxidants help to eliminate harmful toxins from our body. But, there is a whole lot more to this information. Read on:
Before getting started with the details of antioxidants, it’s important to understand few facts about our body.
Antioxidants actively fight the cell damage by providing electrons to unstable atoms. So essentially, they protect the body from free radicals.
Free radicals in action
We have uncountable cells in our body and the major threat these cells encounter is free radicals. Free radicals are the harmful molecules that make cells susceptible to destruction.
This can invisibly accelerate the ageing process, reduce immunity, cause cancer and heart diseases.
Free radicals are formed when atoms in our body lose electron. In order to gain back the electron, it tries to acquire electron from neighbouring atom.
This process creates a chain of free radicals. It is said that free radicals have been involved in the pathogenesis of at least 50 diseases!
Benefits of antioxidants
There are different types of Anti-oxidants and they provide benefits to different parts of the body.
Beta- carotene, an element of carotenoids, is highly beneficial for good eyesight. The famous antioxidants flavonoids, available in fruits, make a healthy heart.
Lycopene ensures better prostate health and proanthocyanidins are helpful for urinary tract health.
1. Good skin
Our skin is exposed to toxins due to pollutants and ultraviolet light, which causes photo-oxidative damage. This leads to sunburn , premature ageing of skin and skin cancers.
Antioxidants slow down the ageing and shield the skin from being worn out.
2. Weight loss
One of the major benefits of antioxidant is that it helps to curb obesity. According to the recent studies done in test tubes and rats, antioxidants tweaks fat cells.
It doesn’t help in cutting down the number of fat cells but slows the formation of triglycerides, which makes the heart weak.
Instead, it limits the enzyme that promotes the production of triglycerides
3. Immunity
Antioxidants like Astaxanthin and Spirulina boost the immunity.
They also guard the cell membranes and cellular DNA against alteration. Antioxidants also help in preventing cancer and heart problems.
Good sources of antioxidants
Good news!! Believe it or not, your body produces most of the antioxidants to battle with the free radicals.
However, you can also add more advantageous antioxidants from fruits and vegetables you eat regularly.
Blueberries
Blueberries are powerful antioxidants that may reduce the inflammation and protect the cell from damage.
It also improves the immunity and protect against cancer and heart disease.
Nuts
Most nuts contain an antioxidant called phytochemicals in abundance.
This micro-nutrient is a good source of “healthy” fats, carbohydrates and proteins and this will let you eat in moderation.
Of all the nuts, walnuts are rich in plant omega-3s and Brazil nuts are best for selenium.
Coffee
According to recent studies, coffee is one of the best sources of antioxidants that we consume regularly.
It contain antioxidants called flavonoids that are also found in fruits, however, coffee also contains caffeine, which should be avoided in abundance.
Dark Green Veggies
Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli provide antioxidants along with other nutrients like vitamins C, E, and A, and calcium. Most of the greens are packed with potassium and magnesium.
Tea
The hot sips of tea are loaded with two essential antioxidants i.e., anthocyanin and pro anthocyanin, which aids to eliminate inflammation.
Regular consumption of green tea in particular helps in detoxification.
Due to increased pollution and fast food intake, our life evolves around toxins.
Now that you know more about antioxidant and it’s wonderful effect on our body, try to add foods rich in antioxidants to protect yourself against unwanted illnesses.
Also Checkout: Detox Diet Plan and our videos for some interesting antioxidant ideas.
