Submitted by: Jennifer Pritchard
Antioxidants are nutrients that counteract free radical oxidation from toxic exposure, rancid oils, junk food, and normal bodily functions. Many antioxidants are found in brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables, and in many spices like garlic and turmeric. Increase consumption of raw, fresh fruits, vegetables and spices to maximize antioxidants naturally.
Antioxidants work by donating an electron during the oxidation process to prevent damage from bouncing free-radicals created by trans fats, excess iron, toxins, pollutants, exercise, metabolism and a host of other oxidation reactions in the body.
Be sure you are consuming enough colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables containing loads of Vitamins A,C,E and beta-carotene to provide these powerful antioxidants for your body. Think of colorful fruits and veggies as the true “life-savers,” because that’s what they do.
Don’t love fruits and veggies? Even if you do love them it is highly unlikely you will get the needed nutritional value out of the fruits and vegtables of today. To maximize health, increase your consumption of whole (non-processed) foods, preferably locally grown, organic, and raw if safe to preserve vitamin content. This includes the processed nutrient depleted “white” foods as much as possible, including sugar, flour, white bread, and white rice. It is also vastly important to take vitamins to compliment your fruit and vegtable intake.
Here are some additional helpful antioxidant tips:
1.) Studies show drinking 2 to 3 cups of organic coffee per day may decrease your risk of basal cell carcinoma by 20%, mainly by increasing antioxidants. So if you currently consume coffee regularly, it may be helpful in preventing skin cancer.
2.) Tomatoes and broccoli are two veggies high in antioxidants that help reduce cancer risk. Mice studies done by the American Institute of Cancer Research found that animals who ate a diet of tomatoes and broccoli together had smaller and fewer tumors than those eating just one of the veggies. To optimize health, consider eating tomatoes and broccoli in the same day, or same meal to increase the antioxidant effect of both as well as keeping a consistent vitamin regimin in your daily routine.
3.) This one may be shocking. A glass or 2 of beer daily may have as many health benefits as wine. One study of 200,000 beer drinkers found a 31% decrease in heart disease in beer drinkers compared to non-drinkers. Beer also has silicon (for strong bones), potassium, antioxidants, magnesium, and B Vitamins. It has anti-inflammatory properties, can increase HDL (good cholesterol), and reduces heart disease risk factors. If you enjoy beer, consider that drinking in moderation may improve your heart health – just skip the junk food to avoid the beer belly part!
As someone who found it difficult to eat as many fruits and vegitables as are recommended daily, I knew I needed to supplement my intake for the best results. When I began taking a consistent vitamin supplement twice daily, I noticed marked energy increase, thicker and healthier hair and nails, and clearer skin. And that was only the immediate benefits that I noticed! What do antioxidants do? They are a crucial part of keeping you healthy and happy.
About the Author: Jennifer is a 27-year-old marketing executive living in Washington, DC. She started her journey to healthy living when she was diagnosed with Lyme Disease for the 2nd time, and started to focus on healthy living in order to give herself the best chance of feeling great despite her diagnosis. J’s Make Green Go Green is a business aimed at helping other female entrepreneurs to navigate their similar journey towards happy and healthy living. A healthy home. A secure furture.
jsmakegreengogreen.com
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