Antioxidants

saltclick to enlarge

Antioxidants are naturally occurring molecules that help fight free radicals which cause oxidative damage to DNA in the body.

Free radicals are formed during the body’s normal metabolic process and through general wear and tear on body cells. Sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, fatty fast foods and herbicides can also spawn free radicals. To prevent free radical damage, the body has a defense system of antioxidants.

How do antioxidants contribute to our health and wellbeing?

Antioxidants act as scavengers, helping to fight free radicals and prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease.  Free radicals are considered harmful to our health as they can cause damage to the cells in our bodies and may hasten the processes of ageing. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and infection.1

Simple steps to boost your antioxidant intake:

  1. Eat unrefined grains – whole meal, grain and fruit breads are best.
  2. Snack on fruit (fresh and dried) and vegetables rather than cakes and chips.
  3. Try to consume five different vegetables and two varieties of fruit per day.
  4. Eat more salads and vegetable soups.
  5. Don’t peel fruit and vegetables unnecessarily, the skin may contain antioxidants.
  6. Eat more berry fruits – blueberries, boysenberries and blackcurrants.
  7. Use olive oil for dressing and cooking rather than butter or margarine.

Use plenty of fresh herbs and add nuts, seeds and dried fruits to salads or other dishes.

1 http://www.csiro.au/resources/ps8h.html