Antioxidants - Why Are They So Important?

We are always being told to get more antioxidants into our diet. But what exactly are they, and why are they so important in the pursuit of health? Below are some answers to your questions and some of the best ways to include more antioxidants in your diet -- whether it is via the food you eat or the nutritional supplements you take -- or a combination of both!

WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?
Essentially, antioxidants are molecules that help protect our bodies against free radicals. Free radicals are released when oxidization occurs within the body, and they can cause damage to the structure of cells.

HOW THEY HELP?
Scientists and medical experts consider the free radicals produced by oxidation to be one of the major causes of cellular degeneration both inside and out. By quenching these free radicals, antioxidants can help to prevent cellular damage and can assist in slowing down the cellular degeneration. An analogy that is often used to explain the process is that of an apple. When sliced, the inner flesh of an apple will quickly turn brown due to oxidation. But rub it with lemon juice – a source of antioxidant-rich Vitamin C – and the process will be slowed significantly. Ingesting antioxidants can have an effect akin to that of the lemon juice on the apple. Another analogy is to think of the body (on a cellular level) as a highway. The cracks or potholes in the road are like the cell damage caused by free radicals, and antioxidants help to reduce the chance of cracks and potholes.

WHAT TO AVOID:
In addition to being produced internally, we are also bombarded by free radicals from a wide array of external sources. Some of the main offenders are: alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, sun/UV exposure, food additives and chemicals, air pollutants and even smoked or barbecued foods.

WHAT TO EAT?
The best diet to help fight the assault of free radicals is one brimming with antioxidant-rich foods. These include "superfoods" such as açai berries, goji berries and pomegranate, plus many basic fruits and vegetables such as: carrots, squash, sweet potato, broccoli, kale, berries, apples, citrus fruits and many more items from your local farmers market or produce aisles. Other items that will boost your antioxidant intake include: foods rich in vitamins A, C or E (vitamin E-rich foods include nuts, seeds, whole grains and fish-liver oil); green tea products; and the trace mineral selenium, which is incorporated into the body's endogenous antioxidant system (and can be found in fish, shellfish, red meat, whole grains, eggs, chicken and garlic).

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
A diet rich in high antioxidant foods is a great first step in the fight against free radicals. But in the real world, most people need a little extra help. Supplements can dramatically helps boost a person's antioxidant intake. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended. We all know that people do not always get as much fruits and vegetables as they should, so adding nutritional supplements is also recommended.

Blueberries are one fruit considered an antioxidant superfood. Bluberries are packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids and are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory.

Remember too that, in general, the more color they have, the more antioxidants you will get.


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