The word “antioxidant” is a term you’ve probably heard in numerous settings – from articles about nutrition to discussion about beauty products. But what does it really mean? And what are these “free radicals” they’re supposed to help defend against?
We’ll clear up those matters and tell you where to get the antioxidants you want to Feel Amazing Every Day. Read on!
What are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are necessary for normal functions, and they’re a natural byproduct of various processes in our bodies – like when we convert food into energy. They’re not a bad thing in the right amounts. Like most things, balance is a good thing.
But external factors, like excessive exposure to sunlight, pollution, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and alcohol use can cause free radicals to become out of balance. Oddly enough, increased exercise intensity and duration can also increase the number of free radicals in the body.
An excess of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress on your body. Without getting too deep into the biochemistry, oxidative stress describes the tendency of molecules to become unstable and steal particles from other molecules – possibly resulting in a domino effect that can damage cells, proteins, and even our DNA.
So, yeah. You can see why balance is important.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are nutrients found in food, supplements, and even some cosmetic products. Examples include vitamin A, C, and E. They act like scavengers to help neutralize free radicals by donating electrons - thereby stopping the chain reaction of oxidative stress. Through this process, free radicals are converted into a harmless waste product and eliminated through – well, you know.
Each antioxidant has a specific job in the body, but they also complement each other and work together. Like most things relating to nutrition, balance (there’s that word again) is a good thing and diversifying your antioxidant intake is the way to go.
Let’s take a closer look at antioxidant vitamins, see how much you should be getting of each, and in which foods they’re abundant.
Vitamin A:
- Recommendation: 700 mcg daily for adult women, 900 mcg daily for adult males
- Foods: fruits (kiwi, pineapple), vegetables, berries, citrus fruits (oranges, lemon), peppers
Vitamin C:
- Recommendation: 75 mg daily for nonsmoking females, 90 mg daily for nonsmoking males
- Foods: fruits (kiwi, pineapple), vegetables, berries, citrus fruits (oranges, lemon), peppers
Vitamin E:
- Recommendation: 15 mg daily
- Foods: nuts (almonds, peanuts), seeds (sunflower), whole grains, vegetables, oil
What About Antioxidant Supplements?
It’s always best to get your recommended daily nutrients from food. But many factors can make that difficult, ranging from personal tastes to food allergies. Multivitamins are a popular option, but some people find it difficult to take them consistently.
One way you can boost vitamin C intake and enjoy doing it is Amazing Grass Greens Blend Antioxidant Sweet Berry. It’s a great-tasting greens powder made from a blend of organic greens, fruits, and vegetables you can mix into water, smoothies, and your favorite recipes.
Lettuce Wrap Things Up
In short, the body is intended to produce free radicals from normal bodily functions. No problem there. You can help keep free radicals in check with a healthy lifestyle – including a smart diet with the recommended amount of antioxidant nutrients.
