We’ve all heard of fad diets, diet myths and detoxes such as juice cleanses, and if you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know just how we feel about those. Spoiler alert: not fans. Not fans, at all.
(Remember that jaw clamp diet? Yeah? Never again).
Fad diets aren’t necessary, are harmful, and don’t promote a happy and healthy lifestyle. Not to mention, the foods we eat, and their nutrients provide us with much of the ‘detox’ that we require.
Not only that, but our body naturally produces antioxidants, too. But what are these antioxidants that we speak of, what foods are high in antioxidants, and what to antioxidants do?
All great questions. Without further ado…
What are antioxidants?
This is where the science comes in. Common examples of antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium, all of which are found in the foods we know and love. These antioxidants are actually small molecules that primarily fight something called free radicals, that are in our body.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals (to clear up any confusion), are compounds that are relatively harmless at low levels, but if they are in too high abundance in the body, can cause harm such as diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
They’re constantly forming in your body (right this second, actually), and without keeping them under control, we’d get very ill… very quickly. You know the rest.
So… it goes without saying that its important to ensure that our levels of free radicals are kept at bay.
What causes excessive levels of free radicals?
Harmful lifestyle choices such as excessive drinking, smoking and air pollution can lead to excessive free radical levels, but also things such as bacterial infections, high blood sugar and too many antioxidants can lead to dangerous levels.
It’s all about balance.
What are the main antioxidant benefits?
Aside from reducing the risk of the above, antioxidants and their benefits are hugely powerful, and that’s why adding them to your diet (or increasing the amount in your diet) is as popular (and effective) as it is.
They’re great for your health: both mental and physical, and lead to an overall reduction in the risk of disease, an increase in immune system functioning and even things that you wouldn’t expect, such as an improvement in skin texture and appearance, a boost in energy and more.
These benefits include:
- Fight free radicals
- Reduce the risk of diseases
- Increase mood and ultimately improve mental health
- Protect body cells from damage
- Reduce overall oxidative stress
How do antioxidants work?
Antioxidants work by neutralising said free radicals in the body, to stop the harmful impact of excessive levels. They’re pretty clever, and do this by essentially ‘giving up’ some of their own electrons, pretty much turning an off switch on the pesky free radicals and their harmful nature.
Natural and antioxidant supplementations
Antioxidants are an essential part of life, and for this reason can be found in many natural sources such as fruit and vegetables. Like we said, some great sources of antioxidants include Vitamin E (think nuts, seeds, root vegetables and spinach), and Vitamin C: citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries and potatoes.
Aside from getting these essential antioxidants through your diet, many people turn to antioxidant supplementations such as The Detox Booster to maintain healthy levels.
Designed to make life easier for you, The Detox Booster combines ten health-boosting ingredients to ensure that you’re getting everything you need, all in one. Neat, right?
Summary
Part of a healthy, balanced diet is ensuring that you are eating a diet that consist of all the major food groups, keeping hydrated, maintaining a good exercise schedule… and, oh, getting your antioxidants, too.
Luckily, antioxidant supplementations and a balanced diet will have you doing this without even realising. Sounds good to us!
Just another reason to take care of yourself, ey? As if we had to give you any more.
