You’ve probably heard of antioxidants and know they are a good thing for your overall health. But do you actually know why they’re important? Understanding the role antioxidants play in your body and how you can ensure you’re getting enough in your diet is important to your well-being.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are natural chemicals that protect your body from harmful molecules called free radicals. There are hundreds of different substances that can act as antioxidants, some of which include vitamins like beta-carotene and vitamins E and C, as well as minerals and flavonoids, which are found in plants. These antioxidants play an important role in defending your body from free radicals.
Why are free radicals harmful?
Although free radicals are normal byproducts of turning food into energy, they become harmful when you have too many in your body. In very high levels, free radicals can damage cells and genetic material, which many experts believe is a factor in the development of cancer and other conditions and chronic diseases.
You are exposed to free radicals:
- Through byproducts of normal processes in your body, such as burning sugars for energy and releasing digesting enzymes to break down food
- When your body breaks down certain medicines
- Through pollutants
- Through exposure to cigarette smoke
What are antioxidants used for?
Being able to fight free radicals is important to prevent cell damage and the subsequent health problems that could develop. That’s why antioxidants are used to help manage or prevent some medical conditions including some cancers, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease and some arthritis-related conditions.
Eating antioxidant-rich foods can also play a role in enhancing your overall health and how your body functions, including supporting the health of your eyes, brain, skin, gut and more.
What foods are rich in antioxidants?
The best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables. Berries, in particular, are some of the most antioxidant-rich foods you can eat. This includes blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and even goji berries.
Beyond that, some of the most powerful antioxidant-boosting foods are cherries, grapes, kale, carrots, apples, beans, pecans, tomatoes, spinach, pomegranates, beets and broccoli. The brighter the food, the more antioxidants it tends to have!
Antioxidants can also show up in surprising places, making some of the most delightful foods beneficial to your health as well, like dark chocolate, green tea, red wine and even coffee.
Are antioxidant supplements safe?
Until more studies are conducted, it’s best to get your antioxidants from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, not from supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medicines, so they can be sold with little or no research on how well they work. Plus, no single antioxidant alone can protect the body, making it unlikely to see any benefits from a supplement.
Always tell your healthcare provider if you’re using a dietary supplement or if you’re thinking about combining a supplement with your standard medical treatment. This is especially important if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Not sure how to make sure you’re getting enough antioxidant-rich foods in your meal plans? Parkview offers many opportunities to learn about new foods and ways to cook them. Keep an eye on our event calendar for an opportunity that sounds fun and fruitful for your family.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
