Why Are Antioxidants So Good For You?

Why are antioxidants so good for you? It’s a simple question that deserves a tremendous answer. Those who know about antioxidant benefits have a heck of a time answering this question in a few short sentences. The answer to that question merits an educated conversation that results in a deep understanding of the subject. Let’s begin with the basics.

To understand antioxidant benefits, we must first understand the reason we need them. On a daily basis, all forms of life are exposed to oxidative stress through the toxins in our environment. They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink and bathe in, in the uninvited chemicals in our food supply, and countless more sources. Oxidative stress is linked to everything from wrinkling of the skin to mental disorders to clogged arteries and cancer. When the human body cannot get rid of, or detoxify, these toxins get stored in our fatty tissues and organs and cause of myriad of illness' and diseases. When the body is in balance it has the ability to easily detoxify the product of oxidative stress that we are exposed to. When the body is not in balance, disturbances like oxidative stress can cause toxic effects through the production of free radicals and peroxides that damage all components of the cell, including DNA. What we should be striving for is balancing the body. In other words, if you want to prevent disease you must clean the toxins out. This is where antioxidant benefits play the most important role. Understanding and utilizing antioxidant benefits will help you live a longer, healthier, more energetic life by canceling out the toxins that reap havoc in our bodies on a daily basis.

Let’s discuss some specific antioxidant benefits. Studies are showing that taking antioxidants in any of its many forms can actually prompt the body to produce more of its own antioxidant benefits, mounting a powerful defense against oxidative stress that can last several days. Some studies are also proving antioxidants help prevent the free radical damage that is associated with cancer and other degenerative diseases often associated with inflammation. In addition, any experts feel that increased antioxidants in the body can help slow the process of aging, and may even increase longevity. Some of the most dramatic short term antioxidant benefits happen within a few short days of making the dietary changes. Among them are positive, visible changes in complexion, the skin begins to look younger and most people report raised levels of energy. When people make the commitment to change their lifestyles and eating habits to reflect a conscious awareness of oxidative stress reduction they almost always see immediate positive changes. Visits to the doctor’s office become far less frequent and weight issues become easier to manage. Many people who commit to reduce their oxidative stress through consumption of antioxidants also report improvements in mood and mental health. Depression is eliminated and feelings of anxiety are quieted.

Thankfully, antioxidants are readily available to us in a myriad of forms. The most basic and easy to find is the whole food variety. By whole food I mean food that is in its original form, the way nature intended us to eat, like fresh fruits and vegetables, grains that have not been over processed and an assortment of nuts and berries. For the most part, the richer the color of the food, the greater the antioxidant benefits of those particular foods. For example, blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, and dark green cruciferous vegetables are all known to be excellent antioxidants. Antioxidant benefits also abound in foods that are high in vitamins C and E. It’s acceptable to take these vitamins in pill form but consuming the foods rich in these vitamins packs a greater antioxidant punch. Many teas are known to provide antioxidant benefits, including green, white and black. Some may be pleased to know red wine also falls into the antioxidant family, as long as it is consumed in moderation. As you can see, antioxidant benefits are difficult to sum up in a few short sentences and the information here is just the tip of the ice berg. One thing remains certain, foods rich in antioxidants are proving to be the miracle foods we have all been searching for.

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