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Antioxidant is the way to go!
Ever wondered why people get diseases and cancer? It is because of mutated cells and unregulated cell growth in the body. Why does it happen? Because of the oxidation of cells that causes cells in our body to become unstable and damage other cells. Free radicals are present naturally in our body through normal bodily functions and can only be combated by antioxidants which have free radicals absorbance ability. The absorbance level is determined by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) level. The higher, the better. With antioxidants in our body, unstable molecules become harmless because instead of harming other cells by bonding them, it bonds with the antioxidants to neutralize the harmful effects of the scavage free radicals. With more free radicals than antioxidants in our body, oxidative stress occurs and this can prove dangerous in the long run as it can damage lipids, protein, and even the DNA structure.
Our brain generates more oxidative by product than any part of our body because it works the hardest. Thus, oxidative stress occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
We obtain antioxidants naturally through regular consumption of fruits and vegetables. But our diet today comprises of very little of these essential foods and thus, leaves ourselves susceptible to free radical damage in our body. Here are some foods that are high in antioxidants. You should try to incorporate them into your diet to reap the full benefits of antioxidants.
1) Fruits
Berries (Cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, black currant, all berries are high in antioxidants), pomegranate, grape, orange, plum, pineapple, kiwi fruit, grapefruit
2) Vegetables
Chilli pepper, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichoke, brussels sprouts, spinach, lemon, ginger, red beets
3) Legumes
Broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans, alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lentils, lupins
4) Nuts
Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, macadamia, and most nuts
5) Cereal
Whole grain, barley, oats, corn
6) Spices
Cloves, cinnamon, oregano, tumeric
Most people do not understand or see the importance of antioxidants and view it as a marketing gimmick by the health supplement industry to create a fad or hype to get people to buy more things they do not need. The truth is there is a significant amount of studies done and evidences collected that show the correlation between many age-related illness and the effects antioxidants have on them. Antioxidants do not have the ability to reverse the aging process, but it may ease or even prevent the problems associated with age. Your health is not something to be gambled with. Even if you are still sceptical about antioxidants, why not just take it as a modern old wife’s tale that may save your life in time to come? There is no harm in taking more fruits and vegetables, is there?
If you know that you do not consume enough antioxidants, it is important to supplement it. You may not see its direct effects now, but it may cut your risk of cancer and disease by half and improve your quality of life. NutriFirst Pure Acai Berry is a good source of antioxidant and you should consider supplementing it in your diet.
- Cherie Koh
NutriFirst Editor
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