We live in a busy world. It is often difficult to dedicate time and effort to physical activities or follow the right diet. This often leads to conditions like fatigue, lack of sleep, low immunity and heart diseases. Is there a way to prevent such health issues?
You may have heard of antioxidants and their effects on the overall health of individuals.
But what are antioxidants and how do they work?
Our bodies contain billions of cells which constantly produce energy. This energy is required by the cells to perform their daily functions such as maintaining a healthy metabolism, providing energy to carry out every-day activities, etc. However, a cell’s daily processes create waste products (free radicals, reactive oxygen species, etc.), that can damage cells. Antioxidants are nothing but chemicals that decrease the damaging effect of free radicals. The cells in your body also produce antioxidants to combat free radicals, but it may not be enough.
Do we have external sources of antioxidants that can benefit our health? The answer is yes. We provide you with some of the best anti-oxidant food that can be the part of your diet.
Vitamin A: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and eggs, liver.
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (sweet lime, oranges, watermelon, strawberries) and vegetables (broccoli).
Vitamin E: Nut family, seeds, green leafy vegetables.
Beta-Carotene: Vegetables that have bright colours such as carrots, spinach, mango.
Lycopene: Tomatoes and Watermelon.
Selenium: Rice, wheat, whole grains, cheese and corn.
There are immense benefits of including antioxidants in your daily diet.
- Antioxidants fight heart disease: Abnormal oxidation of fat may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Increasing intake of antioxidants helps in regulating fat metabolism, thereby preventing heart disorders.
- Antioxidants keep your skin healthy: Your skin is exposed to ultra-violet rays from the sun throughout the day. This produces free radicals and reactive oxygen species that cause damage to cells as well as skin tissues. Antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin E counter the damaging effect of free radicals, keeping the skin healthy. They also limit the occurrence of wrinkles and prevent further skin damage.
- Antioxidants may prevent neurological disorders: Free radicals are thought to cause neuro-inflammation that leads to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disorder. Even anxiety and depression have been linked to the damaging effect caused by free radicals. By controlling the levels of free radicals, antioxidants help in alleviating the symptoms of neurological disorders.
- Antioxidants boost the immune system: Certain reactive oxygen species damage the immune system, thereby reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. Increase your immunity by including a variety of fruits and vegetables that are full of antioxidants.
Before including antioxidant-rich products in your daily meals, consult a physician to know the right diet regimen that suits you. Along with antioxidants and diet, follow an exercise routine to remain energetic and maintain a healthy lifestyle.