A substance that has over the years created quite a buzz due to its ability to delay cell damage, antioxidants, as researchers suggest, and can reduce inflammation. Let us take a look at why natural remedies with antioxidants are so important for our overall health. Antioxidants protect our cells against cell damage.
Found in fruits, vegetables, pulses, tea and coffee, antioxidants are essential to our health as they can delay cell damage caused by free radicals that are a normal byproduct of our life. When we exercise, we produce free radicals in the form of lactic acid, other free radicals come from sunlight, air pollution, cigarette smoke, certain medicines and other such sources.
Free radicals bind to our cells in a way that damages the protein and DNA. But not to worry, the threat posed by free radicals can be neutralized by antioxidants.
Now that you understand why antioxidants are good for your health. There’s more coming.
When too many free radicals run in the body they cause damage in the form of oxidative stress in cell membranes, DNA, fatty tissue and protein that are associated with diseases including Cardiovascular, Cancer, Arthritis and Alzheimer’s.
Antioxidants can counter oxidative stress, however, that does not mean consuming them can reduce your risk of disease. To know more about natural remedies with antioxidants and its benefits consult a holistic naturopathy health expert now.
The health benefits associated with antioxidants are similar benefits that you enjoy when you eat a nutrient-rich diet and follow a healthy lifestyle. But researchers have confirmed that consuming antioxidants reduces inflammation thus helping your white blood cells or as they are called WBC protect your body from invaders like viruses and bacteria.
Glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid are some antioxidants that our bodies naturally produce. But we can get our fix of antioxidants from food sources also. Fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, pulses, all are rich sources of antioxidants. There are some thousands of substances that act like antioxidants including vitamins C, E, beta carotene and minerals selenium and manganese that can be found in a list of foods.
If you want protection against oxidative stress, your best bet is consuming a plant-based diet.
Some antioxidant-rich food include:
- Allspice
- Artichokes
- Basil
- Berries
- Cinnamon
- Coffee
- Dark Chocolate
- Dill
- Kale
- Pecans
- Tea
Antioxidant supplements may not be that helpful.
There are quite a few antioxidant supplements available off the shelf, but there’s limited evidence supporting its benefits. Researchers have found that supplements may not offer the same protection as an antioxidant-rich diet.
Antioxidants work best when consumed as a whole food and beyond food, healthy lifestyle choices can help you reduce the risk of oxidative stress. Consult a holistic health expert to know how you can include antioxidants in your diet and what else can you do to reduce the formation of free radicals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
