An antioxidant is an oxidation process in which there is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it can cause damage or death to the cell. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves, so antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid, or poly phenols.

So, the antioxidants benefits include strengthening your immune system, slowing down the aging process and most importantly fighting off free radicals. This is big because free radicals are damaging to the body... causing an increase in inflammation & can lead to many degenerative diseases (e.g. cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, heart disease.

Moreover, adequate amounts of antioxidants are needed to fight off damaging free radicals and to keep your immune system strong. Fortunately your bodies have its own antioxidant defenses against free radicals... mostly using oxygen. Disease although cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment. However, our world has an oxygen shortage. As a result our bodies are working overtime in order to keep free radicals in check. And this is causing extra stress & strain on the body. Well, have you ever cut an apple and let it sit out for a bit? I would say go ahead and give it a try but I’ve already done the painful (and smelly) part of this experiment for you.

Natural oxidants

Antioxidants protect the body from the free-radical damage that impairs immune function, leading to infections, cancer and heart disease, and which scientists believe to be the basis for the aging process.
Beans

Beans pack a greater punch than any other food in terms of antioxidants, with red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans and black beans being the best options.

In addition to being loaded with antioxidants, beans are also cheap and filling. They contain other nutritional treasures such as protein, complex carbohydrates and no cholesterol.

Berries

Berries are another super antioxidant source. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries are all good choices. Choose berries as an antioxidant source rather than taking a supplement, because while supplements can contain single antioxidants, berries contain a wide array of these beneficial substances.

Fruits

Non-berry fruits are other good natural food sources of antioxidants. Eat plenty of apples (with the peels), pears, cherries, avocado, plums, oranges and pineapples. All of these fruits are filled with a variety of antioxidants which fight damage to cells from harmful molecules known as free radicals.

Nuts

Nuts are a key source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios and nut butters are all good choices of this antioxidant, as are healthy oils such as olive and canola, and seeds. Aim to eat 1 to 2 ounces per day.

Altogether, by eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods, you lessen your risk of heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes and cancer.

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