It’s completely understandable to be overwhelmed and frightened by the damage and negative effects that free radicals can have on our body. Gaining a little more insight and information into both free radicals and antioxidants might help eliminate some of those scary thoughts or preconceived notions. It’s easy to bury your head in the sand when information is troubling, especially when it’s unavoidable and happening inside all of us. We are all in the same boat!
So, let’s get started….
What are free radicals & what harm can they cause?
Free radicals are chemicals that have the capability to damage our cells and genetic material. Though they come in many different forms, they all share the same desire for electrons. Inevitably, they’re formed within our body as a byproduct of turning the food we eat into energy. Free radicals are also found in our food, air/pollution and the sun. These unpleasant chemicals have the ability to alter both our DNA and cell membranes by inhibiting what enters or leaves our cells.
Does anything help?
Luckily, vitamins and minerals function as antioxidants in order to help us combat the oxidative stress of these free radicals. There are hundreds, if not thousands of substances that act as antioxidants. The most well-known of these are vitamins C, E and A, in the form of beta-carotene and other carotenoids, coQ10 and glutathione, as well as the minerals selenium and manganese. Vitamins A, C and E also have the incredible ability to regenerate each other! These antioxidants work by “disarming” free radicals by giving them electrons without turning them bad. Long story short, they stop oxidants from stealing electrons from healthy cells.
Along with our body’s ability to wage war on these nasty little suckers, every time we eat we are helping to destroy these free radicals. By incorporating antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables into your diet, you are building up your internal army of free radical warriors.
What foods are high in antioxidants?
Though the list of antioxidant food sources is quite extensive, a few of the most potent ones are:
• Dark leafy greens
• Sweet potato
• Beets
• Pumpkin
• Mangoes
• Grapes
• Papaya
• Berries
• Cacao
• Turmeric
This is just a small handful of the incredibly nourishing and antioxidant-rich plant foods that you can begin to incorporate into your diet in order to help your mind and body age gracefully. So remember, food really is the best kind of medicine!!
If you’d like to see some recipes using these yummy fruits n’ veggies let me know in the comments below!