We are all fighting the ravages of time. But, what if time didn't have to be so ravaging? Antioxidants may be the answer to help your body grow old gracefully, strong, and fit.
What are antioxidants?
We now know what super foods are so it is time to define antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that fight free radical damage in the body. This begs the next query:
What are free radicals?
Here is the down and dirty explanation. The body uses food nutrients at a cellular level to drive certain reactions that goes on in the body. This is named cellular metabolism or respiration. Free radicals are by-products produced by these reactions. In the body, these materials bump into organs, vessels and everything else, damaging them in the process. That is why the body ages, and not always so gracefully.
Free radicals can come from not just the body but also the environment. Pollution, smoking, stress, drugs, alcohol, and any other sources all feed into the damage that causes us to age. Antioxidants help by neutralizing the effects of these rogue particles. You're less susceptible to disease, wrinkles, age spots, arthritis, and the list goes on.
Antioxidants Foods
What foods can you take to get the most of the antioxidant benefit? As it stands, there are no suggestions as far as the amount of antioxidants you have to consume daily. Suffice it to say, eat as much as you can not only for anti-aging effects but also for in general good health. Let's have a look at a few antioxidant foods:
Berries - The finest berry for antioxidants is considered to be blueberries, but strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are also effective choices to get your fill of antioxidants. The rule is always eat the most colorful fruit and vegetables for the most antioxidants. Even a half cup each day on your cereal is a nice start in boosting your antioxidants.
Grapes - The skins of the red grape contain an antioxidant material called resveratrol. This is one reason why it is recommended that people drink a glass of red wine each evening for their health. Naturally, snacking on a plate of red grapes is also considered very healthy. Make sure not to peel the grapes; if you're feeding a young kid grapes, just cut the grapes in halves or quarters so the skins slide down easier.
Prunes - Prunes are good to get the digestive system flowing. But, prunes also offer a tremendous boost to the immune system. And, no, you do not have to drink that rather unsavory juice if you don't wish to. Snacking on 2 or 3 prunes a day is much more appealing to most of the people.
Pumpkins and Carrots - A well-known antioxidant substance is beta-carotene. They improve eye health, immunity and help with cellular repair. You will see a common element here - orange color. Again, the more colorful the vegetable, the more antioxidant power. Buy pie-pumpkins when you can, cut and roast them just like squash and keep a bag of fresh carrots cut up and ready to munch on.
Beans - Filled with protein, they work to build muscle and lower cholesterol. Replace meat in your diet a couple instances a week with a hearty black bean soup, red beans and rice casserole, or 3 bean salad, and your antioxidants will be jumping right off the scale. Beans aren't only protein packed, but they are also a vegetable, so you're meeting several food requirements as well.
What are you eating? Is your food aging you or is your food aiding you recapture your youth? Antioxidant super foods can slow the aging process so you live well and live long!
