Antioxidants protect the cells of the body from damage, premature aging and various diseases. So how do we get antioxidants from food? What are their natural resources?
Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that cause aging and cell breakdown.
Although there are many types of supplements that promote them as antioxidants, experts prefer to get them from their natural sources, so where are the antioxidants?
- Black berries
Black berries contain important Polyphenols (a type of antioxidant), which many studies have shown may slow the pace of cognitive skills, which occurs naturally with age.
Black berries also contain vitamin C, which is one of the most important antioxidants of the body.
- Pecan nut
One handful of this nut a day can reduce your bad cholesterol levels. The Pecan nut is rich in manganese, which has important antioxidant properties to give the skin a cohesive and tight appearance.
Note for men: The pecan nut contains very important substances to promote prostate health.
- Red cranberries
Red berries help:
- Relieve inflammation in the body.
- Raise good cholesterol levels.
- Enhance the functions of the immune system.
Red berries contain a distinctive group of antioxidants that help prevent the adhesion of E. coli bacteria and other types of bacteria to the walls of the bladder, preventing inflammation of the urinary tract.
- The camel’s walnut
Not only is this nut an excellent source of protein, fiber and manganese, it is also rich in useful fats, like other nuts.
Compared with other types of nuts, camel’s walnut is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is often found in plant sources.
- Strawberries
Strawberry contains high levels of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant for the health of the skin and helps to cure from any damage caused by ultraviolet radiation or pollution.
Strawberries are rich in folic acid, which is important for protecting the heart and promoting its health. Strawberry is also known to help whiten teeth.
- Blue berries
The antioxidants found in the blue berries, which give it its striking color, are the same that make blue berries an important natural food in the fight against cancer cells and prevent its proliferation and growth.
Blue berries contain high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese, which researchers believe collectively help protect against heart disease and memory problems.
- Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains Flavonoids, an important antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure and reduce the chances of developing diabetes.
But for maximum benefit, go for dark, as sugar and milk free types.
- Cherry
Cherry takes its striking red color from high-density antioxidants (Anthocyanins), that relieves inflammation, and lowers cholesterol levels.
It is preferable to choose dried cherries; the antioxidant concentrations are higher than in the fresh fruits of cherries
- Black raspberry
Like other types of the raspberry, black raspberries help fight many diseases, such as gout and arthritis.
Researchers estimate that fiber and antioxidants in blackberries help protect against heart disease and cancer.
