We’re always hearing about how antioxidants are in fruits, juices, and vitamins, but do you really know how they help your body, or what they even actually are?
An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves, so antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid or polyphenols
Well now that we have the definition out of the way let’s talk about how they actually help you. Antioxidants are found in fruits, vegetables, tea, vitamins B C and A and even chocolate, they help regenerate cells by protecting them from free radicals.
You might be asking yourself, what are free radicals and why do I need to protect myself from them? Free radicals are cells that have become chemically changed and are a little weaker, think back to chemistry class, A free radical is a cell that loses an electron and becomes imbalanced. This cell then attaches to another cell to steal an electron and begins a chain reaction. Antioxidants help to fix the unbalanced cells, and correct the damage they have caused.
Consumption of antioxidants is said to help prevent cancer, antioxidants also work as anti-inflammatory agents, and deliver potent pro-youth abilities – fighting against free-radical damage and supporting the development of healthy skin tissue. They help your body in many ways and are available in many low calorie delicious foods, so why wouldn’t you want to work more antioxidants into your daily diet?!
Here are some foods that contain antioxidants:
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Pecans
- Lettuce
- Cooked Artichoke
- Cooked Russet Potatoes
Just to name a few!!
