Antioxidants

Antioxidants

The power of antioxidants: 8 top protectors

In the world we live in, we are constantly exposed to stress and pollution and tempted to make poor food choices. This need not be a problem and we can continue to enjoy ourselves, as long as we protect our health properly as well. One of the prerequisites for well-protected health is the intake of sufficient antioxidants. These natural substances play a crucial role in fighting harmful free radicals and protecting our bodies from oxidative stress. Learn what antioxidants are, why they are essential and which foods are packed with antioxidants in the top 8 protectors.

Free radicals

To understand what antioxidants are, we must start with the archenemy of antioxidants: free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a result of normal metabolic processes in our bodies, but they can also be produced by exposure to pollution, smoking or an unhealthy diet. Here’s the thing:

  • A human body is full of cells, and each cell in turn is made up of molecules. Molecules are made up of one or more atoms that have come together through a chemical reaction. The outermost layer of an atom consists of electrons, an even number of which form strong protection.
  • Certain factors can cause that outer layer to weaken. An electron can then detach, leaving an odd number of electrons in the outer layer. Missing the negatively charged electron causes the molecule to become unstable.
  • The dislodged electron becomes chemically reactive and searches for electrons to stabilize itself again. It steals such an electron from another molecule, so to speak, causing this molecule to become unstable again and also to search for another electron, and this goes on and on.
  • This creates a chain reaction in which more and more substances have an odd number of electrons in the outer layer: this is what we call free radicals.

Antioxidants

These free radicals sound like downright wreckers that slowly but surely destroy your body. But don’t worry, they are not. Free radicals are constantly forming and are all around us, and that’s a good thing. Some free radicals even help you fight off certain viruses. Your body is also quite capable of neutralizing most free radicals even before damage is done. But your body cannot clean up everything on its own, and with too many free radicals in certain places, oxidative stress can then occur. This can eventually damage our cells and DNA, leading to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and damage to our nervous system.

Antioxidants are substances that help protect our bodies from the harmful effects of free radicals. They play an important role in neutralizing them and preventing damage to our cells. In fact, they act as “catchers” of free radicals, neutralizing them before they can do damage.

Your body makes certain antioxidants itself, but you can also get them in through certain
food sources
. To avoid oxidative stress and its negative consequences as much as possible, it is wise to include some food sources rich in antioxidants in your diet. These are the top 8 protectors against free radicals:

1 - Blueberries

Schaaltje gevuld met blauwe bessen

These small, sweet berries not only taste delicious, they are rich in anthocyanins. This is a powerful group of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and help the health and performance of your brainn improve.

2 - Spinach

Spinach is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and lutein. Thereby, it plays an important role in protecting our cells from oxidative stress. When you eat spinach regularly, kan that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.

3 - Strawberries

Rode aardbeien met een groene achtergrondkleur

You will be relieved that these “sweets” are also in the list. These juicy, sweet red fruits are full of vitaminse C and anthocyanins, making them an excellent source of antioxidants.

4 - Nuts

Schaaltje ongebrande ongezouten noten

A handful of unroasted, unsalted nuts with drinks is not so crazy. Almonds, walnuts and other nuts are rich in antioxidants, as well as healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a handful of nuts regularly may reduce the risk of oxidative stress, heart and vaat diseases and help reduce inflammation in the body.

5 - Green tea

It tastes good, gives you a caffeine boost and, as icing on the cake, is a source of a large group of powerful antioxidants. These have anti-inflammatory eigenscbites and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

6 - Turmeric

Kurkuma met kurkuma in poedervorm in een schaaltje met een lepel ernaast

This spicy and fragrant spice is known for its bright yellow color and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Kurkuma contains an antioxidant called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory effects and may potentially help prevent chronic diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s and arthritis.

7 - Dark chocolate

Good news for chocolate lovers! Pure chocolate with a high cocoa content is rich in antioxidants, especially flavanols. These antioxidants can lower blood pressure, reduce improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. Before you wolf down whole bars it is belimportant to remember that moderation is the key. After all, chocolate also contains many calories. Still, so a piece of dark chocolate every now and then is quite healthy.

8 - Pomegranates

This fruit is full of antioxidants, especially punicalagins and anthocyanins. Your Can eat the seeds, but can also make juice from them. Pomegranate juice has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, it may protect against certain cancers.

Healthy living is the key

When you live a healthy life, free radicals are not something you have to be so afraid of. Chances are that your diet already includes sufficient free radical protection. In addition, supplements with antioxidants are therefore not necessarily necessary, although kunnen they usually do no harm either. When you pursue a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet that includes some of the aforementioned 8 top protectors, your body can handle those free radicals just fine.

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