It’s become a trend over the years to boast about a food or drink’s high antioxidant content. The unspoken assumption behind this is the notion that antioxidants are good and that you want more of them, much more than you’re currently consuming. But why? What are antioxidants? What do they do? Why is it so important to be taking them in on a regular basis? Is it really that strong a selling point, or are they just saying that so people will keep eating acai berries? Read on as we examine and explain the importance of antioxidants.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that play an important part in maintaining your body's defenses about disease. Antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are highly unstable oxygen molecules in the body that can inflict cellular damage which can lead to premature aging and the development of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Free radicals do play a role in keeping us healthy: exercise produces free radicals, which help sensitize our muscles while we workout. Free radicals are also released by the body when our immune system is fighting viruses and bacteria, acting as an oxidative blast to wear down invasive microbes. But when left unchecked after they’ve served their purpose, free radicals will strip electrons out of healthy cells to maintain themselves, which can have a snowball effect in weakening your body over time.
Antioxidants also play a critical role in food preservation. Antioxidants get added to food to prevent or slow down oxidation. Antioxidants help extend the shelf life of edible goods while delaying the onset of flavor loss, discoloration, or food turning rancid.
Does Our Body Naturally Produce Antioxidants?
Yes it does! Your body’s cells naturally generate antioxidants that contribute to your overall. These antioxidants include alpha lipoic acid, glutathione, and enzymes that include superoxide dismutase and catalase.
What Foods are Rich in Antioxidants?
The best way to increase your intake of antioxidants is to add lots of antioxidant-rich food to your daily diet. You can’t go wrong with plant-based food items: fruits and vegetables are densely packed with antioxidants. Food with high antioxidant content include:
- Strawberries
- Acai berries
- Pecans
- Cranberries
- Blackberries
- Artichokes
- Raspberries
- Sweet cherries
- Black plums
- Russet potatoes
- Blueberries
- Beans (red, pinto, black)
- Pistachios
- Oatmeal
- Bran cereal
- Dark leafy greens
- Watermelon
- Tomatoes
One of the most common ways we boost our antioxidant levels is by drinking fluids. Fruit juices are packed with antioxidants (especially apple juice, cider, and pomegranate juice). Green and black teas are also a great source of antioxidants; just make sure you don’t add any milk. The milk will block the antioxidants in your tea. Good news for people who like a drink after work to unwind: beer and red wine also contain big servings of antioxidants.
Article by Austin Brietta
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