Antioxidant rich food

Antioxidants are molecules that protects the immune cells from destructive free radicals that can harm cells and cause damage to the DNA. Eating foods high in Antioxidants is a healthy and smart choice. Every cell in our body needs a steady supply of oxygen to drive energy from digested foods. However, when oxygen is produced unstable molecules that can damage healthy cells in our body is generated. This unstable molecules are free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive, they contain an unpaired electrons which pair up with other electrons. Free radicals search for molecule to take an electron then the oxidized molecule goes to search for another electron to complete itself and as a result deficient electrons and more free radicals are created because of these chain reactions.  Antioxidants are needed to renew cells and to prevent free radicals from damaging cells in our body.  The body produce free radicals on its own however other factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol, radiation (x-rays & long exposure to harsh weather), environmental pollutants and toxic chemical found in cosmetic products can expedite the production of more free radicals. Too much free radical damages DNA and genetic materials. Antioxidants helps strengthen immune cells.
The body's immune system helps to destroy mutated cells. It helps eliminate invading bacteria and other foreign organism. As we age the body becomes much more vulnerable to free radical and the sign of its damage begins to show up. This is when antioxidants become necessary because it helps to neutralize the damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants  molecules interact to prevent free radical damage.
Cancer can occur from irreversible damage caused by free radicals. Many studies link antioxidant- rich diets to a lower risk of both cancer and heart disease and other degenerative disease.
It prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) because when this harmful cholesterol is oxidized it can damage arteries. 

Top 10 antioxidants fruits and vegetables:

Goji Berry, Kale, Spinach, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli florets, Beets, Red bell peppers, Onions, Corn, Eggplant, Carrots, Prunes, Raisins, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Plums, Oranges, Grapes, Cherries, Kiwi, Avocado, Artichoke, coconut, turmeric, palm kernel nuts, Hemp protein powder and oil etc.

Other antioxidants, sources and function:
Antioxidants can be found in food containing vitamin C and E, Selenium, carotenoids- Lycopene (tomato) beta carotene (red,orange, yellow plant, dark green vegetables), phytochemicals are natural chemicals derived from plants such like the poly-phenols found in teas and wine.

Co-enzyme Q10 works well with vitamin E.  It help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Alpha lipoic acid helps reduce the signs of aging. It protects the brain and nerve tissues. It helps prevent free radical damage to body cells. It may also help in relieving pain, numbness, tingling caused by diabetes know as peripheral neuropathy (abnormal condition of the peripheral nerves, which can be seen in patients with diabetes, alcoholism, uremia, nutritional deficiencies, or toxic exposure. A possible side effect of some chemotherapy, characterized by numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet.)

Carotenoids (Beta Carotene) helps to prevent heart disease and cancer like lung cancer. Carotenoids can be found in oranges, kale, spinach, apricots, peaches, carrots, dark green vegetables, broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash, cantaloupe.

Isoflavones helps protect against heart disease and cancer. Isoflavones can be found in soy beans, peanuts, chick peas, fava beans, alfalfa, kudzu and all legume food. "According to the Natural Menopause Advice Service in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the benefits of isoflavones are greater than just fighting cancer. Isoflavones can help reduce menopausal symptoms including libido, insomnia, hot flashes and bone loss. Soy isoflavones may reduce the incidence of clogged arteries, which form clots that can lead to heart attacks. Men's health may also benefit because isoflavones help prevent enlargement of the prostate gland. They act against cancer cells and tumors, which will slow prostate cancer growth. The risk of endometrial cancer in women is reduced by more than 50 percent in women who eat diet rich in isoflavones. They also may help create new bone, which prevents osteoporosis".

Lutein (zexathin) helps to protect the body against muscular degeneration. You can get lutein from spinach, peppers, cabbage, corn, dark green vegetables and oranges.

Quercetin helps protect the body against cancer, it prevents heart disease. Quercetin can be found in onions, apples, berries, red grapes, kale, broccoli, red wine.

Lycopene helps protect the body from cancers such as prostrate and lung cancer. Lycopene can be found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, water melon.

Hesperdin found in citrus fruits can prevent heart disease and protect the body from cancer.

Anthocyanidins found in berries like ( blueberries, blackberries, cranberries) red grapes, plums, cherries, blackcurrant

Selenium helps prevent colon, lung, prostrate cancer.

Best source of antioxidants is your food, organic preferable and then you can use supplement to help your body balance what it needs that is lacking.  This is so delicious try eating healthy, you'll love it !


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