Antioxidants

We are bombarded with myriads of fad dishes loaded with high cholesterol, excessive sugar, numerous chemicals, and processed food that lure us into binge eating and attack us with a multitude of diseases, and these pesky attackers are called " Free radical ".

Free radicals are unpaired electrons, who will try to steal an electron from other molecules to become stable and this results in a process called oxidation.

There are various factors which lead to oxidation, some of  them includes;

• Stress                                                                      
• Pollution
• Infection
• Aging
• Injury
• Poor diet
• Drugs
• Radiation

Each time free radicals steal an electron, by breaking the bond of the molecule, two free radicals emerge, the one which is stolen and the other which is left alone, hence making two electrons damaged and if this chain continues a lot of damage can be done to the body causing ailments like cancer, arthritis, swelling, autoimmune disease, heart disease, neurological disease and many more, but where there is a villain there is always a hero to control the damage and here the hero is "Antioxidant".

Antioxidants stop this chain of free radicals by neutralizing, healing, and preventing free radicals from rearing.

Antioxidants are vital for the proper functioning of the human body since they protect us from many 

diseases like cancer, heart stroke, protect our eyesight, increases life span, delay the process of aging, prevent and restore the damage done to the brain, and a lot more.

An incredible thing about antioxidants is that it is produced naturally by our body, but they are not sufficient to combat the free radicals as we age and increasing factors of oxidation, so we need to additionally consume it to effectuate the requirements. But the good news is that we don't have to spend a fortune to get those antioxidants and they are easily available at the nearest grocery store or local market. like dark green vegetables,bright-colored fruits, tomatoes, pomegranate, berries, etc.

Types of Antioxidants

Vitamin A: Egg, cheese, buttermilk, fish oil.

Lutein: Kiwi, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, broccoli, spinach, corn.

Lycopene: Tomato, watermelon, guava, apricots.

Vitamin C: Papaya, lemon, bell pepper, broccoli, strawberries, pineapple, orange, kiwi.

Selenium: White rice, sunflower, seeds, whole wheat, eggs.

Vitamin E: Vegetable oil, cereal, meat, fruits, wheat germ oil.

Flavanols: Broccoli,berries,apple,tea.

Alpha-lipoic acid; Yeast, spinach, potatoes, broccoli.

Glutathione: Sulphur rich foods such as garlic, onions, parsley, native whey protein, raw milk, egg, organic turmeric.

Astaxanthin: Available only in supplements, prescribed by the doctor.

Resveratrol: Grapes, red wine, cocoa.

   Simple ways to include antioxidants in your daily life are :

• Green Tea, Black Tea

• Nuts and legumes(Flaxseed, sunflower seed, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds)

• Fresh vegetables ( Vegetable salad including carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, beetroot, cucumber, tomato)

• Whole grain (Barley, millet, brown rice, oatmeal)

• Dark leafy greens (Spinach, mustard green, Kale)

• Fresh fruits and berries (Banana, mango, blackberries, dates )

• Smoothies(Fresh yogurt mixed with your favorite fruit)

Remember the more diverse and bright colored food you add in your diet, the richer they are in antioxidants and your body will repay you in multiple folds.