Antioxidants are substances found in certain plant foods as well as manufactured by our bodies. They prevent damage to our cells that are caused by “free radicals.” Free radicals are produced during normal body functions but they can get out of hand if our body is exposed to harmful toxins through our environment or our food. It is important to rid our bodies of free radicals as soon as they are generated to prevent them from harming our health and causing oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is the damage that free radicals cause to our cells. It is linked to a variety of chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, cancer, immune deficiency syndromes, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other inflammatory conditions.
Oxidative stress is the damage that free radicals cause to our cells. It is linked to a variety of chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, cancer, immune deficiency syndromes, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other inflammatory conditions.
What Can Cause Oxidative Stress?
- Excessive exercise
- Smoking
- Environmental pollution
- Industrial chemicals and solvents
- Pesticides
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Refined and processed foods
- Tissue damage (from inflammation or injury)
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting us against a number of health conditions down the road.
Where Are Antioxidants Found?
Antioxidants found in plants are a type of phytonutrient. These include flavonoids, carotenoids, resveratrol, isoflavones, and indoles. Other antioxidants include selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, and vitamins C and E.
Antioxidants are found in a variety of plant foods:
- Berries
- Citrus fruits
- Apples
- Pomegranates
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Green leafy vegetables
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Carrots
- Tomatoes Dark chocolate
- Green and black teas
Tips To Boost Antioxidant Intake
- Drink 1-2 cups of matcha green tea per day
- Eat vegetables with every meal
- Eat fruit 1-2 times per day
- Is your plate colorful? If it is mostly brown, then it’s lacking in antioxidants. Add in foods that are red, green, orange, and blue/purple
- Spice up your meals! Oregano, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric all contain antioxidants
Eating a colorful and varied diet allows you to consume antioxidants in their natural form. This is the best way to combat cellular damage and the development of health conditions related to oxidative stress.