Our bodies are constantly under attack from the things in our environment. Things such as the food we eat, air pollution, sunlight, car exhaust, unclean water, and cigarette smoke.

These things can get in our bodies and wreak havoc. Some of these harmful elements are known as free radicals.

Free radicals steal electrons and alter the molecule they steal from. They can cause DNA damage which can create a plethora of other diseases and problems.

They’re like a bad Robin Hood. They steal from others and give to themselves. So, really, they’re just a thief.

Also, too many free radicals can overwhelm the body which creates oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a process that can harm certain body functions.

Oxidative stress is linked to having an effect on a variety of diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, respiratory diseases, immune deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and eye diseases.

This is where antioxidants come in.

 

Antioxidants 101

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body. Antioxidants help reduce the cellular damage that’s being done every day.

They neutralize free radicals and can even prevent them from forming in the first place.

They’re the Captain America to Red Skull. #MarvelFansGetIt

 

Antioxidant History

In the 1990s, scientists thought free radicals played a role in atherosclerosis and other chronic conditions. Studies at the time showed people who had low-antioxidant-filled diets were at a higher risk for developing these chronic conditions.

This initiated the campaign of studies into antioxidants.

The media soon picked up on antioxidants. They became the popular kid on the block and antioxidants were all the buzz in the 90s. Other than Pokemon and Nintendo of course!

The food industry picked up on this and began labeling foods as “rich in antioxidants.” The supplement industry sniffed out opportunity and began hyping the benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants were also labeled as anti-aging in the beauty industry.

 

So they got pretty blown out of proportion.

But are they actually as good as they’re positioned in the marketplace? Well, yes they are but they aren’t the holy grail that’s going to save humanity.

They’re more like the Knights Templar protecting villains from stealing the holy grail (the “holy grail” is YOUR body’s healthy equilibrium and the villains are free radicals).

 

Some synthetic antioxidants are known to create more harm than good. And too many antioxidants from synthetic sources such as supplements aren’t necessarily going to bolster the body’s defenses more.

So the best place to get antioxidants is from natural foods, spices, veggies, greens and more that come from the Earth.

 

What Antioxidants Are There?

There are potentially hundreds of different substances that act as antioxidants and some of the most popular are vitamins or minerals. Such as Vitamin C, A and E.

Here are some benefits of antioxidants:

  • Cancer prevention
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Eye health
  • Blood health
  • Higher energy levels
  • Respiratory health
  • Skin and joint health
  • Gum health

Here are some antioxidants as well as the foods they’re found in:

  • Carotenoids
    • Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, tomatoes
  • Flavonoids
    • Apples, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, black beans, cabbage, onions, parsley, celery, olives, oregano, purple grapes, wine
  • Isothiocyanates
    • Cruciferous foods like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, radish, watercress
  • Resveratrol
    • Red wine, red and purple grapes, peanuts, blueberries, cranberries
  • Tannis
    • Pomegranates, lentils, red and white wine, green tea
  • Circumin
    • Turmeric powder

 

The benefits really come into play when we’re eating a diverse range of foods. As you can see it helps eating different types of fruits and vegetables because of the different antioxidants in them.

So be sure to eat multiple different fruits and veggies throughout the week.

Also, bringing in more spices can act as antioxidants too.

 

If you want help changing your nutrition and eating habits in 2022 then reach out to me. I provide nutrition coaching virtually and can help you too. Set up a consultation with me using the link clicking here.

 

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