An excellent way of keeping our immune system strong and prevent illnesses such as the common flu and cold is to shop for foods that are rich in antioxidants. Experts say that you should have a diet containing vegetables and fruits, which are best known to ward off infections and flu. Fruits and vegetables are proven to be antioxidant-rich foods, which strengthen our immune system.
What Is An Antioxidant?
Antioxidant is the term used for minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that help repair and protect cells from the damage done by free radicals. The damage caused by free radicals is believed by most experts to have a huge part in chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), arthritis and cancer. Free radicals are a major interference in our immune system so consuming foods that contains an antioxidant is very important.
Where Can We Find Antioxidants?
There is a good variety of antioxidants-rich foods around us and most of them can be found in all vegetables and fruits. Some foods have higher antioxidant content than the others. The three major antioxidant vitamins are vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene. In order to get the most antioxidant from the foods you eat, it is better to eat the food slightly steamed or raw and avoid overcooking your foods. You can usually find colorful foods to be rich in antioxidant. The foods that are color blue, purple, yellow and orange hues are usually the best when it comes to antioxidant content.
Here are the other sources for antioxidant:
• Vitamin D
It is a membrane antioxidant that is very relevance in fighting cancer actions in our body. This is also known as a natural antioxidant, which helps in repairing the damaged DNA in human's body.
• Antioxidant Supplements
Supplements with antioxidant content are known to be a good solution in fighting diseases as well as the unwanted effects of aging. These supplements generally contain numerous free-radical fighting compounds which gives a much better effect to our body.
• Functional Foods
These are foods that have a potential positive effect to our body, which cannot be provided by basic nutrition. One example of a functional food is oatmeal, which gives off soluble fibers that helps lower cholesterol. Some of the foods are modified in order to have health benefits and these are known as Functional Foods.
• Probiotic Foods
Probiotic are organisms such as yeast or bacteria that help in improving our health. Probiotics can be found in a food supplement or in modified foods containing probiotics.
• Dietary supplements
Antioxidants are also widely used in dietary supplements. Researched and proven to fight diseases like coronary heart disease, cancer and even altitude sickness.
Other best antioxidants Sources
Vitamins are not the only source for an antioxidant. Antioxidant can also be found in selenium and zinc. Foods that are rich in zinc are red meat, oysters, poultry, seafood, nuts and many more. Selenium on the other hand can be found in tuna, beef, poultry, grain products, Brazil nuts, fortified breads, and many more.
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