Boost Your Daily Diet with Anti-Oxidants!

Antioxidants have a host of health benefits. They protect your system from diseases and take care of the cells. Antioxidants prevent oxidation in the body. During oxidation, the oxygen molecules gain a charge by glucose present in the body. What happens to an apple after it is cut? It turns brown and rots slowly. This is because the glucose and oxygen molecules produce heat and energy. Your body needs this energy to survive.

You can increase the antioxidant count in your body by eating antioxidant-rich food. There are several food items that possess a host of antioxidants. The essential antioxidants your body needs are vitamin A & E, beta-carotene, and lycopene.

The antioxidants safeguard cells from free radicals and toxins. They also fight off harmful oxygen molecules that can cause cancer and other significant diseases. Free radicals are considered to be the leading cause of premature aging of the body. By increasing the antioxidants in your body, you counter the effects of aging on your skin.

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Food items rich in antioxidants are known as superfoods. Incorporating them into your daily diet can improve your health and pretty much save your life. Here are some important antioxidants and the food items that contain them. Eat them regularly to boost your diet with antioxidants.

Lutein

Lutein enhances your eyesight and prevents cataracts from forming. This antioxidant is generally found in vegetables. Some of the plants that contain Lutein are squash, yellow peppers, carrots, and green leafy vegetables. Among fruits, oranges are your foremost source of Lutein.

Lycopene

Lycopene has proven to be effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and heart diseases. It is found abundantly in red fruits and vegetables. Lycopene gives them their characteristic color. Some of the fruits and vegetables that contain Lycopene are watermelon, pink or red grapefruit, and tomatoes (soup, sauce, and ketchup).

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral responsible for producing antioxidant enzymes. The enzymes protect the cells from being damaged. They also stimulate antibodies after immunization and protect the body from poisons. There is a wide range of food items rich in selenium. Some of the best options for you are beef, tuna, chicken breast, whole eggs, cottage cheese, Brazil nuts, brown rice, cheddar cheese, cod, garlic, and enriched whole wheat bread.

Adding these food items to your daily diet boosts your body’s antioxidant level. The antioxidants play a huge role in keeping your body safe from diseases and improving your health. Merely speaking, antioxidants are the key to a healthy life.