Anti-oxidants are something that appear naturally in certain foods, including certain tea, vegetables, and fruits. There are huge numbers of anti-oxidants in existence, more than the average person is normally aware of, but most people know of the more common ones such as flavanols, resveratrol, and vitamins A,C, and E. These compounds works to prevent the damage caused by oxidants, or free radicals, within the body. These can be either environmental, or naturally, but either way they are harmful to your system.
Grapes
All kinds of grapes (though dark ones in particular), are full of anti-oxidants which are thought to protect against heart disease and certain cancers. Particular anti-oxidants are also said to be good for your immune system. Grapes contain vitamin C as well.
Blueberries
Research done into the effects of blueberries on animals has shown us that the anti-oxidants which are present are highly effectively in protecting cells from damage by free radicals, and also at preventing inflammation. Blueberries contain a number of vitamins which can help to strengthen the immune system, and which may play a role in preventing heart disease.
Nuts
Nuts are extremely good for you (bad news for people with nut allergies, although they could conceivably use a supplement such as SkinStyle sell Reserve at wholesale prices), since they are balanced between a bunch of vital nutrients, and having a high fat and protein content. Each variety of nuts all have their own vitamin signature, which dictates what they are best for in terms of fighting off free radicals. Every variety of nuts is good for lowering cholesterol, however, as they are loaded with good fatty acids.
Leafy Greens
Broccoli and spinach are two of the heavy-hitters when it comes to nutritional value, but all leafy dark green vegetables are high in the nutrients which are essential for our good health, including vitamins A, C, and E, and the minerals magnesium and potassium. The anti-oxidants which are present in leafy greens have been shown to help dilate blood vessels, thus helping with cardio-vascular issues. There have also been suggestions that some of them may play a role in preventing cancer.
Sweet Potatoes and Friends
Potatoes are all well and good, but sweet potatoes are also incredibly high in various anti-oxidants, as are squash and pumpkins. Vitamins C and B6 both make their appearance, as well as carrots with their vitamin A. These vitamins all work against free radicals in the body, working to keep people’s immune systems strong.
Tea
Tea, even in its decaffeinated forms, is a very useful source of anti-oxidants, although the type and number obviously change depending on the type of tea. These anti-oxidants are primarily thought to prevent the kind of cell damage which leads to various types of cancers. Green tea is particularly high in anti-oxidants, and drinking it is thought to help keep the blood vessels dilated, thus helping with a whole host of cardiovascular issues, and also in lowering cholesterol.