Most people are familiar with antioxidants, associating it with words like “health” and “superfood.” What’s so powerful about them, though? This is something that not many people have even thought to question, so I’ll break it down for you – because sometimes knowing why something is worth eating, makes it more enticing.
To understand the power of antioxidants, it’s important to understand free radicals. To simplify it, free radicals are harmful atoms that are derived through both normal metabolic functions in the body, as well as a result of external exposure to things such as cigarettes, x-rays, the ozone, and other pollutants. Free radicals damage cells within the body, which have the potential to accumulate over time and cause further, more severe damage. Much of this damage can manifest as disease, such as cancer.
So, what can we do to prevent the effects of free radicals? This is where antioxidants come in. Antioxidants have the capability to neutralize free radicals and diminish their ability to damage cells. Put simply, antioxidants are a powerful tool to protect your body against free radicals. Some major benefits of antioxidants include reduced risk of cancers, heart/brain health, retention of skin integrity and reduced aging. The best part is that antioxidants can be found in so many of the foods we already know of which support our health!
Some antioxidant sources:
- Herbs & spices - cloves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger
- Berries – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries
- Cacao and dark chocolate
- Nuts and seeds – pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios, chia seeds
- Try this Designs For Health Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum formula (for 20% off your order, email us at ourteam@activewellness.com)
- Many, many, many other sources
What creative ways can you find to sneak antioxidants into your diet?
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Team Active content is not medical advice; it's inspiration to live actively! This article is copy-write protected and an example of the resources Active Wellness provides to clients. It may be shared by including a link to the article in your communications by linking to this webpage and including attribution in your communication: “provided by Active Wellness.”
