ANTIOXIDANTS: WHAT ARE THEY & WHY SHOULD YOU ADD THEM TO YOUR DAILY DIET

Our body is a complex system – the food we eat, the environment we live in and the emotional and physical stress that we go through every day – they affect us. These lead to higher free radicals being formed in our body. While we need these free radicals to an extent, they are also held responsible for aging and a host of other diseases. And it is here that the antioxidants play a pivotal role.

Antioxidants are natural compounds found in some foods that help neutralize the harmful effects of these free radicals. Antioxidants are hailed as super-foods by most of the health articles that you come across daily. According to reports and studies, a diet high in antioxidants can reduce the risk of many diseases including certain cancers and cardiac diseases.

Surprisingly we do not have to go hunting for these super-foods. They are easily available in the form of fruits, nuts, spices, and herbs that we consume normally. So, here’s a list of 4 antioxidant foods that will boost your health.

Fruits

Think berries, think guava, think pomegranates, think grapes, think jamuns – these fruits are not just tasty but also help lower the bad cholesterol, detoxify the body and reduce inflammation in the gut. They are also rich in vitamins, flavonoids, and fiber. The aim here is to consume as many fruits so that you get the maximum benefit. Dry fruits are rich in antioxidants too.

Vegetables

Fill your plates with legumes, leafy greens, and tubers! However, you need to do extensive research on how well cooked they should be for the optimal results.

Herbs & spices

Common everyday spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, pepper, and cinnamon come loaded with antioxidants. Turmeric, it is said, helps prevent free radicals from forming. Garlic, if consumed in moderation has been used to treat heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes for a long time. In addition to these, use herbs like basil, thyme, oregano to your daily diet. Add them generously, they don’t just add flavor to your meal but they help keep you healthy.

Nuts

Nuts are good for you too. Nuts like cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts are rich in antioxidants and double up as easy snacks you can carry to work. Load up on them in moderation.

The key is to add variety to your food. The key is all about consuming different fruits and vegetables. And the result? A younger, healthier, happier you! So why not start the change now?