Why are Antioxidants good for me?

Because they counteract damaging free radicals

Every single one of us has both antioxidants and free radicals present inside of our bodies at all times. Some antioxidants are made from the body itself, while we must get others from our diets by eating high antioxidant foods that double as anti-inflammatory foods.

When certain types of oxygen molecules are allowed to travel freely in the body, they cause what’s known as oxidative damage, which is the formation of free radicals. When antioxidant levels in the body are lower than that of free radicals — due to poor nutrition, toxin exposure or other factors — oxidation wreaks havoc in the body. The effect? Accelerated ageing, damaged or mutated cells, broken-down tissue, the activation of harmful genes within DNA, and an overloaded immune system. Our bodies also produce free radicals as by-products of cellular reactions. For example, the liver produces and uses free radicals to detoxify the body, while white blood cells send free radicals to destroy bacteria, viruses and damaged cells.

The Western lifestyle — with its processed foods, reliance on medications, and high exposure to chemicals or environmental pollutants — seems to lay the foundation for the proliferation of free radicals. Because many of us are exposed to such high rates of oxidative stress from a young age, more than ever we need the power of antioxidants, which means we need to consume high antioxidant foods.

What Are the Benefits of Antioxidant Foods?

Antioxidants include dozens of food-based substances you may have heard of before, such as carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C. Research suggests that when it comes to longevity and overall health, some of the benefits of consuming antioxidant foods, herbs, and teas include:

Slower signs of ageing, including of the skin, eyes, tissue, joints, heart and brain

Healthier, more youthful, glowing skin

Reduced cancer risk

Detoxification support

Longer life span

Protection against heart disease and stroke

Less risk for cognitive problems, such as dementia

Reduced risk for vision loss or disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts

The Best Antioxidants

Goji berries, blueberries, dark chocolate, pecans, artichokes, elderberries, kidney beans, cranberries, blackberries, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cocoa, cumin, dried parsley, basil, fresh ginger, thyme.

Other sources of antioxidants

Other high antioxidant foods, which are still great sources and highly beneficial, include common foods like tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, strawberries, kale, broccoli, grapes or red wine, squash, and wild-caught salmon. Try to consume at least three to four servings daily of these high antioxidant foods (even more is better) for optimal health.

Great recipes containing these ingredients? Try https://thedoctorskitchen.com/recipes

Changing your diet can be challenging

We get into habits and tend to eat the same foods frequently. If you would like to find out how you can change your eating habits to include more of these foods, or would like to know more about nutrition and healthier eating, please get in touch for a no obligation chat. https://www.gfycoach.co.uk/contact