As civilization continues to move toward its growth into a heavily health-conscious society, more and more people are exceeding the life expectancy now than 50 years ago. The growing trend to exercise and become educated on smarter food choices, especially on food networks, have prompted people to make living and eating well a part of their life. A major part of attaining wellness means incorporating your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. While that may sound cliche, the importance of taking your daily dose of fruits and veggies is the antioxidants they carry, which are responsible for a lot of the reason why people live long, healthy lives.
Defining Antioxidants
According to WebMD.com, antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and nutrients that repair and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is important to rectify this damage by consuming foods rich in antioxidants, because the damage may cause a myriad of chronic diseases, the biggie being cancer. Because free radicals compromise immune system function, consuming antioxidants to combat damage is key to strengthening your immune system to prevent infection and sickness.
Foods Containing Antioxidants
Antioxidants are mainly found in colorful fruits and vegetables eaten raw. Beta-carotene is a vitamin found in vegetables, most of which are orange like a carrot. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, peaches, tangerines, broccoli, asparagus, corn, mangoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon and spinach are good examples. Vitamin C also takes the form of antioxidants. Foods containing Vitamin C include: oranges; strawberries; tomatoes; green, red or yellow peppers; cauliflower; and berries. Other so-called "super foods" containing antioxidants include: apples, eggplant, onions and raisins.
Selenium is another antioxidant found tuna, beef, poultry and grain products. Zinc is another. It is found in oysters, red meat, dairy products, seafood and nuts.
Looking good, feeling good
The saying, "The outside is a reflection of the inside" can be applicable to what antioxidants do for your body and your looks. According to HealthReviewer.com, consuming a daily diet rich in antioxidants not only boosts the immune system to combat free radicals that cause disease, but can work wonders on your face by slowing down the aging process by reversing the damage. Apart from consuming foods, taking a multi-vitamin supplement daily can also be effective to maintain healthy skin and body.
While the idea of eating healthy might have been undesirable decades ago, good health has become the new trend. To attain it, consuming antioxidants coupled with exercise and healthy lifestyle choices can help you reach your peak of healthiness.
Lianna Albrizio - Lianna Albrizio is a journalist from Bergen County, New Jersey. She is published in various community newspapers including the Northern ...
