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What Are Antioxydants And Why Are They Important For Your Health

antioxidants

Definition

Oxygen is used to assimilate and utilize dietary nutrients to produce energy for survival. Oxygen helps in the absorption of fats, proteins and carbs. Oxydation occurs when one atom of oxygen loses an electron. The atom of oxygen that has lost its electron is called free radical. The free radical is going to attack other healthy atoms to capture an electron and a chain reaction begins. Free radicals have been linked to chronicle and degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, decline in brain functions and immune system, among others.

Foods high in antioxidants will help fight cells’ oxydation and prevent diseases previously mentioned.

Different antioxydants serve different parts of the body

There is a wide array of antioxydants and they all benefit different parts of our bodies. For instance, beta-carotene (found in carrots for example) contributes to eye health. Lycopene (as found in tomatoes) help prevent prostate cancer; Flavonoids (as found in tea, for example) help prevent heart disease.

Antioxydants promote skin health

Sun damages have been proved to cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin by formation of several types of reactive species of oxygen that damage cellular lipids, DNA and proteins. Astaxanthin, beta-carotene and vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidants combination to help protect the skin from reactive species of oxygen’s damage.

Foods high in antioxidants

Foods high in antioxidants: aubergines, pumpkins, spinach, red wine, sea food, lean meat, legumes, red peppers, citrus fruits, apples, carrots, red grapes, raspberries, black tea, blueberries, broccoli, oatmeal, cranberries, dark chocolate, green tea, strawberries, oranges, peaches and greek yogurt, matcha tea, grapefruits, melon, avocado, kiwi, sesame seeds…

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