You hear a lot from all sorts of people about how you should be including antioxidants into your daily diet, because they are really good for you.
If you are someone that has had other varied interests in the past, and hasn’t really looked into what they do or why they are so special, from resources such Epigen Nutrition (little promotional plug there) or medical journals, I am guessing you don’t know much else about them.
Well, antioxidants have countless health benefits and if you’re not including them in your daily food intake, I’m afraid you’re really missing out.
Your body uses oxygen to get its energy from the foods that you are eating but in doing this, it releases harmful by-products called free radicals.
If these free radicals are left to build up in your body, they damage your cells and other parts of your body and can have a number of unpleasant side effects.
Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, protect against the damage they cause and in turn have a positive effect on your health.
Let’s have a look at some of the ways that these helpful little molecules can be beneficial to you….
Can Help With Disease Prevention
Free radicals can have an extremely negative effect on your internal organs and are believed to be one of the leading causes of some of the most common chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
However, if you can stick to a diet that’s rich in antioxidants, you can protect your vital organs from this oxidative damage and cut down the chances of contracting these chronic diseases.
Anti-Aging
It has been well publicized that Free radicals can accelerate the aging process. In fact there are a few ways in which they manage to do it.
They can damage your hair, nail and skin cells and give them a dull, lifeless appearance.
They can also inhibit the function of your vital organs and reduce your energy levels.
By topping up on antioxidants, you can reduce or even prevent some of this this free radical damage.
As a result, your hair along with your nails and skin will become more vibrant and full of color which can make you look younger.
You’ll also feel younger because you’ll be full of energy and all your vital organs will be performing better.
Help to Strengthen Your Immune System
Free radicals can limit the production of immune system cells, which can then leave your body susceptible to illness, disease and infection.
But, if you ensure that you eat plenty of antioxidant rich foods, you can stimulate the production of your immune system cells and give your body a greater chance to fight infection and stay disease free and healthy.
Help to Improve Your Memory
Your brain is a very susceptible organ to free radical damage and over a period of time this damage can eventually lead to memory loss and related mental health disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
By having a regular intake of antioxidants, you can boost your brain, keep it safe from these unpleasant disorders and even enhance your memory in the process.
I hope this has given you a better understanding of how antioxidants work and can be of benefit to your body.
Vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are all excellent sources of these powerful nutrients and by eating them regularly; you can enjoy all the benefits listed above and hopefully enjoy a longer, healthier and happier life.
If you are not doing it already, try to include some forms of plant based foods into your diet every day, you will thank yourself for it in the long run.