Why are antioxidants good for you?

Want to discover some of the best sources of antioxidants and how to incorporate them into your diet? You’ve come to the right place!  

From supplements to foods, we'll explore just why antioxidants are good for you in this blog post. 

Read on to learn more about why antioxidants are a key part of any healthy lifestyle. 

What are antioxidants and what do they do for the body?  

Let’s talk science – essentially, antioxidants are substances that can help to prevent or delay cell damage. 

They work by scavenging harmful molecules called free radicals, which can impair cells and contribute to the development of diseases as a result.  

It’s important to note that free radicals are produced naturally in the body as a result of normal metabolic processes, but they can also be generated by exposure to environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke and UV radiation! 

How can I increase the level of antioxidants in my body? 

Antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts! 

Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants is a fantastic way to naturally protect your body against free radicals, as this actively improves the levels of antioxidants in your blood. By enhancing your diet with nutritious foods, you are helping your body to fight against potentially harmful oxidative stress. 

Looking for an antioxidant boost? It’s time to get eating the good stuff!  

Foods rich in antioxidants  

You don’t need to go above and beyond to fill your diet with antioxidants – they happen to occur in loads of different foods that you can pick up from your nearest supermarket. Here are some of our top antioxidant foods that you could easily incorporate into your weekly shop:  

1. Beetroot - Beetroot is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals! It is an excellent source of fibre and vitamin C, and it also contains important nutrients like potassium and folic acid.   
2. Pecans - Pecans are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. They even contain plant sterols, which may help to reduce cholesterol levels!   
3. Blueberries - Blueberries are a delicious and healthy addition to any diet. In addition to being a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, blueberries are also low in calories and fat.  
4. Strawberries - Strawberries are fibrous, delicious, and nutritious fruits. These scrumptious red fruits are not only a treat to eat, but they also are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. They also contain ellagic acid, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.   

None of the above tickle your fancy? Try experimenting with sweet potato or sunflower seeds for an antioxidant boost with more subtle flavours! 

The best way to take antioxidants - in supplement form or through food?  

Foods are bursting with nutrients and fibres, all of which play a significant role in the way that our bodies absorb antioxidants. With this in mind, supplements may not be as effective as they do not have the same key mix of properties as fresh fruit and vegetables. 

The most prominent antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C, E and beta-carotene – but you’ll find most of these nutrients in foods that are bright in colour!  

Getting enough fruit and veg in your diet may be a struggle sometimes, especially if you live a fast-paced lifestyle. Slotting a raw turmeric shot that is made from pure, unpasteurised ingredients into your daily routine is a quick and easy way to ensure that you are getting your antioxidant fix, without having to find the time to eat several bowls of fruit!   

You may even want to dabble in taking antioxidant supplements in tablet form, but these may not be as effective as the benefits offered by fresh produce. Remember – you can get all the nourishment you need from the things that you consume!  

To conclude, antioxidants are good for you! We know that they help protect our cells and DNA from damage, but what other benefits do they offer?  

Well, it turns out that antioxidants may play a role in delaying the onset of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and could also help with cancer prevention. They may also provide nutrients to help support normal cognitive function and memory.  

And you can get your antioxidant fix by making some healthy tweaks to your diet! Pretty impressive, right?