Some Amazing Health Benefits of Antioxidant Foods

November 22, 2017

Various chemical reactions take place within our body and all these chemical reactions are collectively known as Metabolism. In this metabolic process, there are some smaller molecules which combine to make a bigger one and some bigger ones are broken down into smaller ones. In these processes, a few molecules lose an electron and they are called free radicals.
So, antioxidants are the molecules which donate electrons to these free radicals in order to neutralize them and prevent them from causing any harm consequently.

Although antioxidants are present in natural sources such as various fruits, vegetables and flowers yet there are a variety of supplements as well available in nature which is beneficial for our health.

The antioxidant foods have different benefits which include:

The main benefit observed is that most of the antioxidants help in slowing down the signs of aging.
They are beneficial in making skin healthier.
Antioxidant foods are helpful in reducing the risk of cancer.
Heart and heart-related disease risk can be minimized with an adequate amount of antioxidant foods.
Antioxidant foods are a good source of fat metabolism thus help in weight loss program.
Neurological problems can also be minimized with the antioxidant foods.
Antioxidant foods are recommended for the person having vision disorders.

Antioxidant	Food Sources	Benefits
Beta Carotene	Sweet potato, carrots, green leafy vegetables, lettuce, squash, cantaloupe melon, sweet red pepper, apricots, broccoli, etc.	Possess antioxidant property Beneficial in pregnancy for healthy development of fetus Prevents protects skin from UV radiation Delays macular degeneration Improves respiratory health and pulmonary functions
Spirulina	Marine algae	Helps in detoxification of heavy metals specifically Arsenic Improves growth of bacterial flora in intestine and inhibits the growth of Candida Reduces the risk of HIV Improves immunity by enhancing the production of antibodies Acts as anti-proliferative agent and reduces cancer risk Possesses anti-hypersensitivity properties and lowers the blood pressure. Lowers the level of cholesterol and minimize the chances of stroke
Lycopene	Guava, Watermelon, Tomatoes, Papaya, Grapefruit, Sweet red pepper, Asparagus, Red cabbage, Mango Carrot	Most powerful antioxidant and prevents damage caused by pesticides Effective in treating vaginal and mouth infections caused by yeast and Candida Helps in preventing different types of cancers Prevents eyes from oxidative stress and eye diseases Reduces the pain caused by nerve damage Recommended for the healthy brain as it corrects the cell damage and protects healthy cells
Flavonoids	Red sweet pepper, Strawberries, Broccoli, Citrus food, Brussels sprouts, Mangoes, Papaya, Garlic, Green tea, etc.	Powerful antioxidants and help in better metabolism These are anti-inflammatory, thus prevent any kind of infections Strengthen the blood vessel cell walls Protects the neural cells from oxidation and improve flow of blood in brain Also, possesses anti-cancer properties
Vitamin E	Almond, Raw oilseeds, Swiss chard, Mustard greens, spinach, Plant oils, Hazelnut, pine nuts, Avocado, Broccoli, Parsley, Papaya, Olives, etc.	It regulates the level of cholesterol and fight against the oxidation of cholesterol Acts as a strong antioxidant slows down cell aging, fights infections. Strengthens the capillary walls and moisture in skin Promotes blood circulation to scalp and thickens hair Acts in hormonal imbalance by regulating function of endocrine system
Vitamin C	Guava, Blackcurrant, Kiwi, Citrus fruits, Pepper, Strawberry, Papaya, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Parsley, Cauliflower, etc.	Prevents aging naturally as it helps in skin cell and blood vessel protection. Improves absorption of minerals in blood and reduces inflammation. Lowers risk of gout Antioxidant property makes it effective in free radical damage Strengthens immune system to fight against the cold and flu Helps in cancer treatment and heart disease
Vitamin A	Sweet potato, Beef Liver, Spinach, Carrot, Cantaloupe, Red peppers, Mangoes, Black eyed peas, Broccoli, Apricots, Eggs, etc.	Improves eye health and stops macular degeneration Boosts up the immune system and protects body against serious illnesses Acts as anti-inflammatory agent and repairs free radical damage Lowers the risk of neurological disorders Helps in improving skin health and wound healing capabilities Possesses anti-carcinogenic properties and thus helps in preventing cancer
Proteins and peptides	Eggs, Grains, Soybeans, Meat, Lentils, Milk products, Almonds,	Boost up the muscle mass, and help in the recovery of muscle damage. Best resource in managing the bodyweight Help in managing the blood sugar level Balance hormones and regulate mood Play role in producing neurotransmitters and promote healthy brain functioning Help in making healthy bones
Lutein	Spinach, kale, Carrots, Broccoli, Eggs, Red pepper, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Fruit Juice, Spices, etc.	Beneficial for eyes as it protects them from macular degeneration and cataract formation Filters out the intense high energy light waves and reduces oxidative stress Lowers the risk of diabetes by controlling blood sugar level Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property helps in reducing heart diseases
Astaxanthin	Salmon and closely related fish, green algae, supplements, etc.	Prevents cells from oxidation, thus help in slowing aging process Helps in increasing energy levels in athletes. Reduces age spots, wrinkles and dark spots, etc.
Glutathione	Asparagus, Spinach, Avocado, Okra, Broccoli, Cantaloupe, Tomato, red pepper, Zucchini, cauliflower, apple, etc.	Its Antioxidant property helps in preventing oxidative stress Protects activated T-cells of the immune system and improves immunity. Helps in regulating the functioning of endothelium and prevents cardiac diseases. Helps in regulating liver functioning and detoxifies it
Quercetin	Capers, Parsley, Red onion, berries, Kale, Apples, Spinach, Red grapes, Plums, etc.	Antioxidant property of Quercetin inhibits the proliferation of muscles and muscular linings thus prevent cardiac issues. Acts as vasodilating and anti-inflammatory compound and manages blood pressure and cholesterol Reduces the chances of infection in prostate Enhances endurance in athletes Removes excessive toxins from liver
Frankincense essential oil	Gum or resin from frankincense or Oliban trees	Prevents inflammation in cartilage tissue and inhibits the development of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis Degrades the phlegm in respiratory tracts and lung thus prevents us from cold and respiratory diseases Possesses antiseptic property and help in recovering from oral health problems Its consumption speeds up the production of gastric juices and regulates functioning of digestive system Regulates production of estrogen in women
Chlorophyll	Green vegetables	Helps in regulating metabolism
Lavender essential oil	Flowers of Lavender plant	Good antioxidant helps in recovery of damaged cells A natural compound for curing diabetes Helps in regulating metabolism of liver and kidney Balances the hormone secretion and fluctuates the mood and reduces stress A natural remedy for Alzheimer’s disease Helps in healing burns, cuts and manage t skin and hair health
Resveratrol	Red grapes, green grapes, Peanuts, Berries, Cocoa, supplements, etc.	Acts as anti-aging and anti-cancer compound because of its antioxidant property Prevents the thickening of arteries as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Only antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier and improves brain health Kills fat cells present in the body and thus helps in reducing obesity
Combination of micronutrients	Seafood, Beef, Whole grains, Seed, Mushroom, Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Lentils, Green leafy vegetables, tofu, corn, etc.	Essentially required for healthy growth and development Prevent various deficiencies and diseases Protect body from different kind of stresses Regulate metabolism of body

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