Antioxidants

We hear all about these and getting them in your diet. What are they?? Put simply, they are molecules that protect your cells/DNA from damage. Unstable free radicals cause damage to our cells and antioxidants protect our cells from these free radicals by stabilizing them. Where do these radicals come from? They are by byproducts from cell processes and external environment sources like pollution and smoking. Some examples of antioxidants are Vit C, E, beta-carotene, minerals like selenium, lycopene, and polyphenols.

Where do you find antioxidants?  Fruits, veggies, grains, nuts/seeds, beans, & dark choc.  Food sources are better than supplements. Let’s discuss some benefits of antioxidants.

1. Preventing cell damage and premature aging.

2.Boosting immunity by stopping the free radicals can enhance immune function.

3.They can possibly prevent some diseases. When our cells are allowed to age healthily, studies are showing promise with decreasing heart disease, slowing brain decline and protecting brain functions. They are seeing some decrease in certain types of cancer as well.

Now you need to know what to eat so you can get these benefits. I listed general sources earlier in this article but now I want to tell you the tops sources.  Pecans are a great source. Just 1oz/day has lots of Vit E and healthy fats. Next is blueberries. Just 1cup contains 24% Vit C and 36% Vit K, 25% manganese, and they are high in fiber. Goji berries are great. Cooked artichokes are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Red Kidney beans have lots of fiber, Iron, Magnesium, & polyphenols. You will love this one…Dark chocolate of 70-75% cacao is a rich source of flavonoids and polyphenols.

I hope this helps you understand a bit better every time you read about antioxidants and the importance of getting them daily!