2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free oxygen radicals called oxidants. Oxidants are produced in the body in the process of oxidation of food, which we take in with the help of oxygen from the air and are particles with an attached oxygen atom. They become highly chemically active and aggressive towards our organisms.
In small amounts, these free radicals are needed, but when they are in excessive amounts, the body's protective antioxidant forces cannot neutralize them. This is because antioxidant substances are not enough to fight the processes.
Sounds a little scary doesn't it? Well here is the place to note that in addition to the natural antioxidants in the body there is another way to get the nutrients. You can get enough antioxidants through a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables and natural products.
See where you can find antioxidants:
Vitamin A - protects the body from respiratory diseases, maintains good vision, is important for strengthening the skin, bones, teeth, hair. Contained in animal products - liver, milk, eggs. Some plants contain carotene, which after absorption the body converts into vitamin A. These are tomatoes, carrots, green onions, pumpkin, apricots and others.
Vitamin C - Strengthens the general condition of the immune system, protects against stress and carcinogens, helps reduce cholesterol. High content of the vitamin is found in kiwi, peas, pineapple, tomatoes, salad greens, spinach, citrus fruits, potatoes, turnips, melons.
Vitamin E - improves the absorption of vitamins A and C. Strengthens the immune system, protects the lungs from contamination. Lack of vitamin E can lead to infertility and miscarriage. Contained in avocados, olive oil, cereals, seeds and nuts.
Selenium - together with vitamin E slow down the aging process. Their simultaneous use enhances their action. Selenium protects against some types of tumors. Contained in cereals, milk, eggs, broccoli, garlic, brown rice.
Zinc - controls and directs metabolic processes. Lack of it can lead to depression, metabolic disorders, apathy and irritability. Eat beef and chicken, eggs, nuts, seafood, cereals.
Honey - important for the functioning of the immune system. Together with zinc and vitamin C, they help the elasticity of the skin. It is important for the development of the skeletal system. Eat liver, seafood, mushrooms, nuts, legumes and grains.
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Foods Rich In Antioxidants
Foods that are rich in antioxidants are vital to our overall functioning. These "magic" foods not only improve our health, but also increase our vitality. They are the healthiest and most nutritious. Antioxidant is the name given to a group of elements that protect human cells from damage, usually caused by free radicals.
Red Fruits Are Loaded With Antioxidants
Everyone knows how useful antioxidants are - they fight free radicals that cause aging. Antioxidants actually slow down or prevent oxidation. Free radicals are particles that have odd electrons that are not in pairs. When interacting with other molecules, they take away the electron they need and thus disrupt their structure.
Asparagus Is Rich In Antioxidants And Strengthens Bones
C asparagus many and varied dishes can be prepared. You will certainly start to include vegetables in your menu once you understand how good it is for your health. Unlike most vegetables, asparagus has a longer shelf life. They do not begin to wither as soon as they are torn off.
Red Rice Is Full Of Antioxidants! It Will Satisfy Your Appetite Permanently
Red rice is a type of unpolished rice that has a higher nutritional value than white. The cooking time is relatively longer than that of white rice, but it has a more pleasant taste. It is rich in fiber, vitamin B1 and B2, iron and calcium.
Pomegranate - The Bomb Of Antioxidants
Pomegranate is one of the most useful fruits, which unfortunately still fall into the last ranks in terms of fruit consumption by the Bulgarian population. Unlike Asia, where it has been revered for a long time, here it can be found in very few places in cultivated form precisely because of the fact that we prefer native fruits such as apples, pears, peaches.