Antioxidants are a group of substances, particularly vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help to protect the cells in the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are harmful because they can damage the cells and weaken the immune system. This condition can lead to various degenerative diseases such as arthritis, cancer and heart ailments.
Antioxidants play a great role in keeping your body protected from diseases which are harmful not only to your body but to your pocket as well. Health is wealth and you should preserve it by natural means. One way to do it is to nourish yourself with foods and supplements which are rich in antioxidants.
Here are some of the amazing health benefits of antioxidants:
1. They help to strengthen the immune system
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E and beta-carotene help to make your immune system strong and give it the capability to fight off harmful viruses that cause colds, fever and flu. They are essential substances that protect your cells from the damage due to oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
2. They play a big role in slowing down the aging process
Aging is directly affected by oxidation that occurs in our body as we take in oxygen.
Antioxidants help to slow down the aging process by neutralizing free radicals and breaking their chain reaction.
Antioxidants also play a big role in slowing down the physical signs of aging like wrinkles and sun damage. They are nature's beauty products which help to keep your skin glow, healthy and young looking.
3. They help in the prevention of degenerative diseases
Antioxidants are the best substances which can help to protect you from degenerative diseases which are caused by free radicals that damage your cells. The neutralizing effect of antioxidants on free radicals is the main reason why it is able to protect you from a host of diseases including cancer, heart ailments, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia and glaucoma.
Food sources of Antioxidants
The best food sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene which your body converts to vitamin A. You will be able to identify these foods by their green, yellow, red, purple or orange color.