You’ve probably heard about antioxidants being bandied about in many health circles which gives us the impression that it is important to our health. But what exactly can antioxidants do for us? Antioxidants are these compounds that occur naturally in plants that can provide protection and prevention against free radicals from damaging our bodies. Without sufficient amount of antioxidants in our system, we are prone to inflammation that can wreak havoc to our health.
Where exactly can we get antioxidants, anyway? Here is a list of antioxidants that you should start adding to your diet.
Beta-carotene. This antioxidant is usually transformed into vitamin A which we need in order to keep our eyes healthy as well as our immune system. It also helps keep our skin vibrant. There are many sources of vitamin A such as spinach, kale, mangoes, and apricots just to name a few. You can also take it in supplement form if you like.
Lycopene. Another antioxidant that you should make sure to get is lycopene. This particular antioxidant has numerous health benefits such as preventing cancer, yeast infection, and macular degeneration. There are several foods that contain lycopene which you can add to your diet such as tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit. The red color of the fruits are where the lycopene can be found. You can toss them into a salad, make a smoothie out of them, or eat them as is.
Vitamin E. When it comes to maintaining naturally glowing skin, vitamin E should always be part of your list of antioxidants to have. One reason behind this is that vitamin E can help protect you against cataracts, premenstrual sydnrome, as well as toxins that can aggravate your skin. Getting enough vitamin E in your system means resisting the toxins that our body absorbs on a daily basis so that your skin will remain smooth and supple. Fortunately, there is no shortage of foods that contain vitamin E like whole grains, avocadoes, and nuts just to name a few.
Catechins. Catechins are also helpful when it comes to maintaining that glow on your skin. Not only that, it can also protect you against cancer and promote better function of all of your organs. This, in turn, can translate into having flawless looking skin that is free from wrinkles and other signs of aging. There are many options for you to choose from when it comes to catechins such as red wine and tea.
Vitamin C. Your skin needs to be repaired constantly to retain its youthful look and because of this, you will need to have vitamin C in your system. This vitamin aids in repairing your tissues while boosting collagen production for firmer skin. It also improves the healing process of your body especially when it has been damaged by toxins or aging. Among the best sources of vitamin C include oranges, kiwi, peppers, spinach, and broccoli.
Anthocyanins. Another type of antioxidant that can benefit your skin is anthocyanins. What this antioxidant can do is to combat free radicals but anthocyanins take it one step further by protecting you against cancer, preventing inflammation, and stopping viral infections from occuring. Berries, eggplants, and grapes are some of the best sources of this antioxidant.Â
These are just a few examples of antioxidants that you should try when you want to protect your skin against signs of aging and free radicals so that your skin will remain beautiful, smooth, and supple for years to come. Just add the foods that you find in this list and you’ll see a huge difference on how amazing your skin will look in the long run.
