Your Health Guide On Foods High In Antioxidants
What are Antioxidants?
There are many chemical reactions going on in the human body every second. These chemical reactions produce substances known as free radicals. Free radicals are formed when atoms or molecules in the body lose their electrons due to chemical reactions. Free radicals can be very harmful to the body. Many of these can attack the cells and tissues of the body and damage them. Hence, it is best to have as few free radicals in the body as possible.
Antioxidants are the compounds that prevent the oxidation of atoms and molecules into free radicals. Losing electrons is an oxidation reaction. Antioxidants will prevent this oxidation, so that there is no loss of electrons and no free electrons are formed.
The antioxidants free radicals association is a very important one to the human body. Since free radicals are continuously formed in the body, it is necessary to introduce antioxidants into the body on a regular basis too. The antioxidants will thwart the formation of these free radicals and make the body healthier. It has been studied that free radicals are a possible precursor to cancer, and that makes the whole antioxidants free radicals concept very important to understand. Which are the Foods High in Antioxidants? Once we know what are antioxidants, the logical next step is to learn about the foods that are high in antioxidants. We can get antioxidants from most of the foods that we eat. Vitamins C and E are very good antioxidants. Since vitamin E is present in almost everything that we eat, our body is getting a good supply of antioxidants as it is. But, that may not be enough since free radicals are present in a much larger number. Other sources of antioxidants are beta-carotene and the mineral selenium. Blueberries and chocolates have been hailed as the best antioxidant containers among our everyday foods. It is true that both blueberries and chocolates have high antioxidant content, but that does not mean we can binge on either of them. That is because they also contain oxalic acid, which is a prohibitive agent in digestion. So, you may avail of the benefits of antioxidants, but might end up with digestive problems. And chocolates contain calories. The other natural foods high in antioxidants are tomatoes, beetroots, oranges, red and yellow peppers and almost everything that has a bright dark coloration. Almost all green vegetables are good too, which include spinach, brussel sprouts, broccoli, water cress, asparagus, etc. Most protein foods are antioxidant too, and a list includes soy, eggs, milk and chicken. You can rely on seafood for your antioxidant quantum too, the best ones in the category would be tuna, mackerel and salmon. Since these fish are also rich in good cholesterol, you will be also answering the potential hazards of cardiovascular problems due to cholesterol accumulation. What are Antioxidant Supplements? There are many foods high in antioxidants that are present on the market shelves, but the problem is most people are choosy about their eating habits and the antioxidant rich foods top most lists of food dislikes. That is the reason experts have decided providing people with the benefits of antioxidants in another manner. There are many antioxidant supplements designed today, in the form of pills, powders and even tonics that are available over the counter. These are supplements, not medicines, so they can be taken without qualms and are fit for all people. Dosages of antioxidant supplements are always mentioned on their labels, and so also their ingredients. If you have a strong hate for most foods high in antioxidants, the supplements could be your way out.
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