When it comes to health and food, a word you will commonly hear is antioxidants.
Antioxidants are nutritional compounds which can be found in food and are also produced naturally by the body.
They provide various health benefits and can help inhibit or reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress.
This type of damage comes from an imbalance between antioxidants and unstable molecules within the body called free radicals. Signs of this damage could come in the form of cellular damage and chronic inflammation.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants are often believed to be the answer to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Antioxidants are categorised as either water or fat soluble, and they work together in promoting immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds all throughout the body.
You can learn more about why antioxidants are essential to your diet here. And if you already know why you need antioxidants, and you want to know where you can get lots of them, then keep reading!
Here’s where you can get lots of antioxidants
Acai Berries
Acai berries are considered to be one of the best superfoods in the health food world. They offer superior nutritional value vs the calories they contain, along with a multitude of health benefits to boot.
Acai berries contain a high amount of Vitamin C which is an antioxidant that works to fight off free radicals which can damage our skin cells, hair, teeth, and eyes.
Not only does this boost of antioxidants help to promote young and radiant skin but it can also help eliminate free radicals that can cause cardiovascular health issues like heart disease.
Acai berries have also been found to have detoxifying effects as they can help cleanse the digestive system and improve intestinal health.
The natural fibre in acai also assists you to digest and absorb nutrients in other foods. Learn more about the health benefits of acai berries here.
If you want to add acai berries to your diet, we can help you – check out our options here.
Elderberries
The Elderberry is a medicinal plant used throughout history by everyone from Ancient Egyptians to Europeans to Native Americans.
Elderberry has been used for everything from treating pain to decreasing inflammation and swelling.
You may recognize elderberry as an immunity boosting superstar. But in addition to keeping your body healthy and strong, the elderberry packs amazing skincare benefits as well!
Elderberries are nutrient & antioxidant-rich, containing high amounts of Vitamins A, B and C. These potentially give elderberries antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making them a powerhouse for fighting free-radical and environmental damage from things like UV rays and pollution.
Additionally, elderberries are rich in antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These powerful antioxidants provide protection from the free radicals just waiting to wreak havoc on your body. Find out more about elderberries and why they are good for you here.
We can help you get your hands-on freeze-dried elderberry powder here.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are one of those superfoods that you never knew you needed. These tiny seeds, though technically nuts, contain a rich mix of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and of course antioxidants. Their rich nutritional value is almost unbelievable, given how teeny they are.
Hemp seeds come from the Cannabis Sativa plant; however, they do not contain, or contain only very low levels of marijuana’s psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So, you’re not going to get high from adding hemp seeds to your diet.
Hemp seeds offer a wide variety of health benefits, including aiding in muscle growth and repair because of the high levels of amino acids, promoting recovery after exercise and activity because of the presence of minerals, and of course the presence of antioxidants, like phytosterols and tocopherols and can help to stop the body from absorbing cholesterol.
Hemp seeds are a simple addition to your diet as you can cook them, grind them up, eat them raw and basically sprinkle onto anything!
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric, also known as the golden spice, is popular in Asian cuisine and has been a part of traditional Indian or Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Most of turmeric’s health properties can be attributed to curcumin, a compound which it contains, that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
For ages, the spice was considered one of the healthiest foods around the world, with many health benefits associated with it.
Curcumin, the main active antioxidant ingredient in turmeric, has many therapeutic properties, including helping in weight loss. It can protect the body from various disorders linked to obesity.
It contains powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It is also believed that drinking turmeric tea or warm turmeric water on an empty stomach can effectively help your body burn excess fat.
Furthermore, Turmeric tea is also known to be good for the digestive system, which is key to shedding excess weight. Its anti-inflammatory properties could help suppress the spread of fat cells within the body.
Another way turmeric tea helps in weight loss is by regulating blood sugar levels, further preventing insulin resistance.
The curcumin compound in turmeric is the fat burner that you need to speed your weight loss journey. You must include turmeric tea in your daily diet, as a refreshing tea to take with any of your meals.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms grow in the wild regions of Japan and China, as well as in certain parts of North America.
Fitness experts, health buffs, and people from all ages and walks of life have been praising this mushroom for its ability to possibly help increase the health, vitality, and longevity of those who take it. It is believed to aid in maintaining the gut health of the body.
Maitake mushrooms could be able to do all these things due to the many vitamins and minerals present in them.
In fact, these mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, copper, potassium, fiber, vitamins, and amino acids.
These are some of the minerals your body would need to maintain itself in tip top condition, as well as be able to fight off infection and the development of disease.
The Maitake mushroom also appears to positively affect our digestive system. The mushroom could have an anti-inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which could also help alleviate symptoms of IBS or irritable bowel syndrome, while maintaining a healthy and balanced gut environment.
Add more antioxidants to your day
You need a combination of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and compounds to ensure you live a healthy life and keep your immune system fighting fit.
Adding foods that are rich in antioxidants is one of the best ways for you to be on the right path towards a healthy lifestyle, and the ones we’ve talked about today are simple editions that you can consume every single day.
For you, this could be the difference you might just need to get yourself on the path towards health and wellness.
