Antioxidants FactsTop 10 Antioxidant FoodsThe antioxidants facts about food are very beneficial to health. Research has shown that some foods contain special chemical compounds that help to prevent certain diseases, relieve health issues and boost energy levels. Most of these chemical compounds called antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables. How does it all work in the body? Let’s find out.
How Do Antioxidants Work?Evidence from over 300 studies has revealed that “crucifers”, which includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are the most effective cancer fighting vegetables. The antioxidants present in these foods and others attack free radicals. Free radicals occur as a response to everyday living and issues related to poor health.Think of free radicals as a virus. When they invade the body, they can be fought with antioxidants that are available in some foods. For example, something as simple as pollution in the air from big cities can allow free radicals to occur in your body. Antioxidants negate these free radicals by zapping them from your body. But sometimes when a person is in poor health, or has a low immune system, or simply eats a poor diet, free radicals multiply faster in the body and they begin to attack the body itself. This is where premature aging, disease and cancer come into the picture. The fact is, you have to take care of your body, and one way to do that is through having a good daily diet.
Top 10 Antioxidant FoodsMost antioxidants come from the cabbage family of plants and beta-carotene, which is vitamin A. Foods with vitamins C and E and the minerals selenium, zinc and magnesium are packed with antioxidants.Eating foods high in beta-carotene has shown to reduce the risk of disease, especially of the throat, mouth, lungs and esophagus. Below is a list of only 10 of these antioxidant foods. * Broccoli * Brussels Sprouts * Cauliflower * Carrots * Oranges * Sweet potatoes * Garlic * Pumpkin * Tomatoes * Red/purple grapes All fruits and vegetables are foods containing antioxidants. Antioxidants facts have shown that eating lots of foods with Vitamin C reduce the risk of cataracts, heart and brain disease, and cancer of the stomach. Other top antioxidant foods are berries, corn, asparagus, onions, celery, peas, dates, figs, grapefruit, kale, kiwi, and bananas. As you can see, most of the antioxidant food that we eat are antioxidant treats. Face it, who doesn’t like fresh fruit?
More Antioxidant FactsResearch has clearly shown that eating foods with vitamin E, such as sunflower seeds, expeller pressed safflower oil, and some grains has been linked to a reduced risk of gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer and thrombosis (blood clots).Antioxidants facts have shown that vitamin C is a powerful cancer-fighting vitamin as well. Top antioxidant foods with vitamin C are all citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, melons, potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Remember that some of these disease-fighting abilities from these foods will be destroyed by over cooking. To get the most nutrients from your fruits, always eat them raw and or dried. Cooked fruit is useless to the body. Vegetables should either be lightly steamed or eaten raw as well. Juicing your fruits and vegetables for breakfast is a powerful way to get a load of antioxidants to start your day!
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