Human body creates small molecules known as free radicals every day. Some of them are natural but when body produces excessively due to various external factors such as stress, junk food, exposure to UV rays, smoking, they begin to damage healthy cells. Antioxidants quietly carry out the job of protecting the body from various damages occurred due to stress, pollution, and processed foods.
Antioxidants play a vital role of protecting your body by neutralizing free radicals that can lead to cell damage associated with aging and harmful diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases. Antioxidants functions by preventing free radicals from destroying the DNA, cell membranes, proteins, and restricting chain reactions. Consumption of diverse seasonal fruits everyday helps in enhancing antioxidant activity in the human body.
Human body creates small molecules known as free radicals every day. Some of them are natural but when body produces excessively due to various external factors such as stress, junk food, exposure to UV rays, smoking, they begin to damage healthy cells. Antioxidants quietly carry out the job of protecting the body from various damages occurred due to stress, pollution, and processed foods. Let us find out foods that are rich in antioxidants below:
| Food Name | Primary Antioxidant | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Blueberries | Anthocyanins | Boosts cognitive health, anti-aging in nature |
| Spinach | Lutein, Zeaxanthin | Protects ocular health or visual health |
| Red Bell Peppers | Beta-Carotene | Offers colagen synthesis support. A vital protein for skin, bones, and connective tissues. |
| Amla | Vitamin C/Polyphenols | Offers immune support and repair of skin |
| Walnuts | Polyphenols, Omega-3 | Brings down lipid oxidtion |
| Green Tea | EGCG or catechins | Improves liver health and metabolic health |
Blueberries: It is considered as one of the best antioxidant-rich fruits that you can consume every now and then. The fruit is an essential source of phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids that go a long way in protecting your overall health. The deep blue external skin of the fruit contain anthocyanins, a highly useful and anti-inflammatory compound that protects your body from cell damage. Regular intake of blueberries can support healthy eating habits and fulfill sustainable nutrition needs.
Amla: Popularly known as Indian Gooseberry, it is powerful source of antioxidant known as vitamin C that can fight free radicals, bring down oxidative damage, and fight cellular damage. It offers key benefits like improved immune system, increased heart health as it regulates bad cholesterol and brings down plaque. It improves skin health, enhances hair health, slows down aging, and improves brain functioning.
According to a research conducted by National Library of Medicine, “antioxidants are compounds that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules and protect the body from the effects of free radicals, produced either by normal cell metabolism or as an effect of pollution and exposure to other external factors and are responsible for premature aging and play a role in cardiovascular disease, degenerative diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.”
Walnuts: The brain-shaped dry fruit is a powerhouse of melatonin and polyphenols like ellagitannins that can fight oxidative stress, bring down inflammation, regulates lipid oxidation, and protect cell. It is beneficial for heart health, improves brain functioning, enhances gut health, and skin texture. It can potentially lowers cancer and risk of diabetes. The presence of antioxidants and omega-3, fiber in the dry fruit support healthy aging, regulate cholesterol, and manage chronic diseases.
Red Bell Pepper: They are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene that offer strong support to collagen production for skin elasticity and improved vision by converting to vitamin A. It can fight chronic diseases by neutralizing free radicals. It plays important role in improving skin health, immunity, and cellular protection.
Green Tea: It contains powerful antioxidants like EGCG or Epigallocatechin Gallate that can fight lipid oxidation by improving overall lipid metabolism. It can significantly prevent diseases associated with oxidative stress such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
Spinach: It is a rich source of antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein that can play vital role for ocular health. It helps in protecting the retina from harmful blue light and oxidative stress and works like an internal sunglass to bring down the risk of cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD. It helps in promoting improved vision health.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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