Antioxidants are bioactive substances that protect your body from the effects of so-called ‘free radicals’ and other harmful substances released in your body as by-products of a normal metabolism. Stress, poor diet, excessive exposure to sunlight, polluted air and cigarette smoke release even more free radicals in your body. Antioxidants can help your body deal with these ‘micro-terrorists’.
|
Where do you find antioxidants?
|
Your body makes its own antioxidants, but you need to get most of your antioxidants from your diet. Fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. As a rule of thumb, the brighter the colour, the more powerful the antioxidants.
Pomegranates and acai berries are super fruits when it comes to antioxidants: both contain more antioxidants than cranberries and blueberries for example.
How many antioxidants does your body need to counter the effects of free radicals? This differs from one person to another and depends on lifestyle. It is a good idea to eat at least two portions of vegetables and two pieces of fruit a day. Try to choose fruit and vegetables that are a rich source of antioxidants.
|
|
|
|
