Today, we will be talking about antioxidants which are food products that will not only help us naturally and effectively enhance our body's immune system but also prevent many diseases (or stop their development). I myself suffer from being a very poorly resistant organism and thus, I must consider the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. So, what are the foods that you should be eating on a daily basis which possess these properties? The answer you will find below!
Antioxidants, remove harmful substances from our body, including free radicals, which not only accelerate the aging process and damage DNA, but they also weaken our immune system and are conducive to the development of many diseases, such as; cancer, heart disease and many more! Antioxidants help us in ridding our bodies of these pesty free radicals and it is worth paying exceptional attention to their presence in your diet. A diet rich in these foods will let us enjoy our radiant and firm skin for many years and will neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals.
Okay, what does your body like?
* Vitamin C (yes, yes and again!) - A deficiency in this abundant vitamin was once responsible for scurvy on the high seas. It strengthens the immune system, detects and neutralizes the action of free radicals and helps in the proper functioning of white blood cells. Our body can not produce it, so it is important to remember it! Daily vitamin requirements cover such products as strawberry, blackcurrant, kiwi, citrus, paprika, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and spinach.
* Vitamin E, as in the case of vitamin C - fight against antioxidants, and we find it in wheat germ, vegetable oils, whole wheat bread, pasta, groats, sea fish, and milk.
* Selenium - is responsible for the production of antioxidant enzymes that protects cell membranes against oxidants and increases vitamin E absorption. You will find it in pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, and wheat bran bran. In addition, selenium helps prevent inflammation, heart attacks and stroke!
* Zinc - legumes
* Beta- carotene, provitamin A - prevents some cancers, and improves vision! Have you ever seen a rabbit with glasses? Besides the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland…? This vitamin is available in yellow, red and orange fruits and vegetables.
Did you know that ...?
Orange fruits and vegetables are especially recommended for the prevention of cervical cancer because they increase the body's resistance to the HPV virus that is responsible for the disease. So remember to eat lots of pumpkins, carrots, peaches, apricots and mangoes!
Also worth mentioning are:
Lycopene - is one of the strongest antioxidants! We find it in tomatoes, watermelons and red grapefruit.
TIP: The absorption of lycopene can be increased after heating it in the presence of fat. Whilst making your tomato sauce at home, do not forget to add a tablespoon of oil :)
And what should you drink?
* Bitter cocoa (contains polyphenols, which have a great effect on memory and help fight gum disease)
* Red wine (of course in moderation, no more than a glass of wine a day!)
* Green tea (all teas contain the most antioxidants, catechins)
What harms us and what is best to avoid?
Cigarettes, alcohol (omitting small amounts of red wine), antidepressants, anticoagulant tablets.
Our diet should be balanced first and the plate should be at least three different colours. Of course, do not overdo it and suddenly start eating tons of vitamins a day. Hypervitaminosis may cause some health problems, however, these toxic levels generally occur from excessive supplement use and not from natural sources.
That's all for today! And how do you care about your diet? Which antioxidant rich foods do you eat?
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