What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are natural compounds, found in certain foods that can neutralize free radicals.
Free radicals are waste substances produced by cells as the body processes food and reacts to the environment. These can be produced by our bodies due to daily stresses, including poor diet, illness, smoking and alcohol intake. Our atmosphere can also contribute with factors such as pollution and toxic chemicals. Antioxidants are vital to help prevent or slow down damage to cells, body tissue and DNA by neutralizing these free radicals.
Many researchers have linked free radicals with a number of conditions including heart disease and stroke, vision deterioration, Alzheimer’s and many cancers.
Several essential vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants, most importantly vitamin A, C and E. Although, the best source of antioxidants are in plant-based foods, especially fruits, vegetables, grains and pluses. Foods particularly high in antioxidants are often referred to as ‘superfoods’, which can also be highly concentrated in supplement form and herbal powders. Research has found that some of these highly concentrated supplements provide a high level of antioxidant, some of which include:
Acai Berry
The acai berry has an incredibly high amount of antioxidants. The freeze-dried acai pulp/skin powder packed into food supplements is amongst the highest of the berries. Native to Brazil, this superfruit is packed with nutrition.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb, native to India. It’s dried root is known as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibiotic activity. It is also known to improve resistance to stress.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains an antioxidant, curcumin. Research has shown that curcumin improves our cell’s resistance to infection along with many other health benefits. This yellow spicy root, native to Asia is often freeze dried to produce a beneficial food supplement as well as used in many cooking recipes.
Green tea
Green tea contains catechin which is a natural antioxidant helping to prevent cell damage. Studies have shown that Matcha green tea provides up to 3 times more antioxidants than other varieties of green tea.
Some foods that are believed to be a good source of antioxidants include:
Berries
Broccoli
Spinach
Beetroot
Lentils
Aubergine
Black or red kidney beans
Carrots
Bell peppers
Here are some tips to help increase your antioxidant intake:
- Include fruit or vegetable with every meal
- Have a Matcha green tea everyday
- Include color rich foods in your meal. Foods vibrant in color contain the most antioxidants including blueberries and beetroot
- When cooking ty to include herbs and spices; turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and garlic which are rich in antioxidants.
- For a healthy snack choose nuts including sunflower seeds, brazil nuts and dried fruit.
Our antioxidant morning smoothie recommendation
This delicious smoothie is packed with protein, fibre, healthy fats and plenty of antioxidants. Fantastic way to start your day!
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ cup frozen raspberries
1 banana
2 cups of spinach (organic ideally)
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon flaxseeds
½ cups of plain Greek yogurt or plain soja yogurt
½ cup unsweetened almond mil (or as required)