What is antioxidant? What do antioxidants do, what are their properties? What free radicals do, Information about the benefits of antioxidants.
An intelligent way to take care of our body, from the brain to the feet, is to consume products rich in antioxidants. This type of food provides numerous benefits ranging from the prevention of cardiovascular or brain diseases, to the care of the body against colds or viral diseases. The consumption of a high degree of antioxidants also helps to improve the skin and provides other important benefits.
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Understanding what an antioxidant is
When we talk about antioxidants, we talk about foods that are rich in certain molecules. It is not that the food is antioxidant in itself but that the molecules that compose it are. The antioxidant molecules are those that can prevent the oxidation process suffered by other molecules and thus are necessary to keep the material alive and in good condition for longer.
Cells, from the action of antioxidant molecules, lengthen the life process and detract from the oxidation phenomenon that tends to damage them. The presence of this type of antioxidant molecules is stronger in certain foods and therefore its consumption is recommended. This is why a diet based on antioxidants is very important for the body.
The foods that provide us with antioxidants and their consumption
In recent times it has been discovered and understood that the regular and systematic consumption of fruits and vegetables, among other foods, can significantly improve the presence of antioxidants in our body. Among the most common antioxidants are carotenoids, lycopene, selenium and vitamins A, C and E.
All these antioxidants contribute and do their part in the process of non-oxidation of molecules. In this sense, vegetables such as spinach, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peppers, lettuce, Swiss chard, soybeans and tomatoes have a large amount of antioxidants. The same happens in fruits such as strawberries and all red fruits, oranges, melon, kiwi, papaya, etc. In some cases, milk and certain meats also make their contribution.
The diseases that can be prevented with antioxidants
According to scientific studies, there are several and very diverse diseases that can be prevented with the consumption of antioxidants. In some cases there is talk of prevention, in others it helps to improve the health condition when those diseases are already present.
Some of the diseases that can be prevented are cardiovascular problems and all those that have to do with the circulatory system such as coronary artery sclerosis. They also help improve the immune system by strengthening defenses and preventing flu or viruses.
