Antioxidants is the word you hear almost every day. It is especially often used in relation to food and cosmetics. What it is and why our body needs antioxidants so much – read here.
What are antioxidants?
We come to this world with healthy cells. But every day, molecules called “free radicals” appear in our body, which harm them (healthy cells). This process is called aging, but fortunately, it can be stopped or at least slowed down.
The key to success in this matter is hidden precisely in antioxidants – molecules designed to neutralize free radicals. These biologically active substances protect cells from oxidation processes and prevent the development of various dysfunctions: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis, ulcers, cataracts.
Antioxidants can be natural (natural food) or obtained in an artificial environment. The latter include:
– beta carotene
– polyphenols
– vitamins A, E, C, P
– some minerals and trace elements (selenium, copper, zinc, manganese).
How do I get antioxidants from food?
Among the foods richest in antioxidants are:
Berries, fruits and dried fruits. Pomegranate, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, plums, citrus fruits, red grapes, cherries, mountain ash, prunes, raisins.
Vegetables. Cabbage, spinach, garlic, radishes, turnips, green leafy vegetables, legumes, broccoli, beets, red peppers, onions, grains, eggplant, garlic.
Nuts. Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds.
Animal products. By-products, butter, fatty fish.
Beverages. Tea, coffee, red wine, fresh juices.
When does the body need antioxidants?
Free radicals are on the alert! But they multiply especially actively when a person experiences stress, exposes himself to strong physical exertion (for example, a marathon), abuses alcohol, uses some medications, breathes in exhaust gases, smokes.
In addition, our antioxidant defenses are usually reduced immediately after eating. Therefore, healthy vitamins should be added to every meal. You don’t need to focus on just one type of antioxidant. To maintain health and ensure longevity, you need to get these substances in a complex. After all, together they act much stronger than alone.
