Living a healthy lifestyle consists of a number of things, which includes eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough rest, and living in a healthy way. Part of that includes many beneficial nutrients our bodies need in order to stay alive. One of these crucial nutrients is antioxidants. These natural foods help to maintain our bodies by protecting them from damaged cells from free radical particles.

Foods which consist of large quantities of antioxidants include many of the common fruits, nuts, vegetables, and seeds, and many others of those types. Taking large amounts of antioxidants daily would be quite beneficial to our overall health as well as to keep us healthy for our lifetimes to come. Here is a list to provide understanding of how the function of antioxidants work in the body, and also which of our foods hold these benefits.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are described as particles which protect our bodies from oxidative stress. The body is subjected to oxidative stress when it is unable to sufficiently ward off all the destructive free radical particles.

Free radicals are highly unstable particles that are damaging to the cells, protein and DNA within our bodies. They develop naturally through all bodily functions and biological processes but a large amount of this particle may be caused by several things in the environment such as pollution, radiation and many others; smoking, poor diets, stress and too much sun are all also contributing factors.

Why Antioxidants Are Important

• The body undergoes stresses daily from both internal and external factors, that cause cell damage. Overtime the stress can begin to hinder the functioning of our normal bodily processes and impact aging.
• Antioxidants are a part of the body’s defense system to help reduce the strain our bodies have been subjected to.
• The eating of an antioxidant-rich food will keep our cells and bodies healthy and ensure a healthy lifespan.

Supports Immune System Function

The antioxidant nutrient plays a major part in supporting the immune system of our bodies. The immune system in our body helps fight infection. It also battles harmful bacteria that our bodies cannot always ward off without help.

Antioxidants can improve immune cell count, and strengthen its performance because free radicals have a negative impact on immune cell functions. Well-known antioxidants which have this affect are Beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E.

If we included foods rich in antioxidants in our meal, we would improve our immune systems drastically.

Promotes Heart Health

Heart health is crucial for a great life and our antioxidants will provide it with a boost.

Damage to the cell walls which line blood vessels cause the cells within it to cease their function properly causing hindered blood flow. Antioxidants maintain healthy blood vessel cells to keep the flow in them working well.

Dishes with antioxidants, such as healthy seeds and nuts, leafy green vegetables and entire grains is an essential part of a heart healthy meal.

The healthy process of aging can be achieved through consumption of antioxidants.

Supports Healthy Aging

The process of aging cannot be stopped, but the cause of visible aging has been placed by researchers upon cell damage, brought on by free radicals. Antioxidants protect cell damage and help maintain a healthy aging process and the bodily functions you retain for your life.

Eating healthy antioxidant rich foods will provide this benefit.

Benefits skin health

The skin of the human body takes constant punishment from different aspects, whether it be from harsh weather conditions, pollution and the sun’s rays, or from environmental conditions. All of these cause our body’s cells to produce more free radicals, resulting in damages to cells.

Our antioxidants maintain healthy cells, and the body’s repair systems in this condition, to keep skin healthy. Vitamins E and C are beneficial skin-related nutrients.

Consumption of nutrients with proper diet and hydration can help maintain healthier skin.

Supports Brain Function

The brain of the human body has a major need for oxygen. For this reason it is the most vulnerable body part when it comes to the negative impact that free radicals can have upon it.

The antioxidants which protect the cells may also help in fighting free radicals that attack our brains, and they will enhance cognitive functioning throughout the brain. Eating foods rich in antioxidants may assist in overall brain function, when used in conjunction with an exercise routine.

Helps Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation can be brought about by harmful viruses or bacteria affecting our immune system. Long-term inflammation is not healthy, so antioxidants can be important here too.

There are several antioxidants in the foods that have been seen to reduce inflammation and we all consume these fruits, spices, leafy green vegetables and herbs that provide vitamins that have this positive effect upon us. Consuming a healthy meal gives our body nourishment to fight the challenges our body faces.

Common Sources of Antioxidants

Many foods are good sources for antioxidants, but it is recommended to eat an assortment of foods rich in antioxidants on a daily basis.

Berries:  Raspberries, Strawberries and Blueberries

These consist of very high levels of Vitamin and antioxidants that are good to the human body.

Leafy Green Vegetables: Kale and Spinach

These are also very good for nutrient consumption in the body.

Citrus Fruits: Orange and Lemon

These fruits contain large amounts of Vitamin C, which is a known antioxidant nutrient.

Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts and Almonds

These nuts and seeds will be giving the consumer healthy fats and antioxidants to their bodies.

Colored Vegetables: Carrots, Bell Peppers and Tomatoes

These consist of many different potent antioxidants that can positively influence the body.

Green Tea

These are rich with nutrients and when drunk as a supplement to your meal will only promote healthier eating and better living.

Tips for Increasing Antioxidant Intake

• Include a variety of vegetables and fruits because there are many different ones that serve a unique nutrient-rich purpose, with differing colored skins being indicator to what nutrient is likely inside.
• Choose foods which are considered “whole foods”. Foods which are processed may lack many of the useful nutrients required in food.
• Switch to healthy snacks instead of junk foods. Good snacks include nuts or pieces of fruit.
• Stay committed, consuming antioxidants regularly will have long-term benefits rather than consuming them in a large number just once a week.

Conclusion

Antioxidants play an important part in our daily lives by protecting our cells from the harmful damages caused by cell damage by free radicals. Antioxidants help improve the function of the body by helping to keep our immune systems, heart health, brains, aging processes, and general bodily health in the most optimum of states that they can be. Consuming an assortment of nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables on a regular basis can keep the body in optimal health and working condition, along with giving adequate rest and sleep in addition to having a good physical routine.