One of the best ways to boost the immune system is to improve your eating habits. Processed and convenience foods are not nutrient-dense, so prioritizing whole foods packed with vitamins and minerals can help you feel your best from the inside out. Many of these nutrients act as antioxidants, the powerhouses behind your immune system, but exactly what are antioxidants? Keep reading to find out!
What are antioxidants?
By definition, antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from free radical damage, also known as oxidation. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm cells and tissues, resulting in organ damage and the risk of developing chronic diseases, from vision loss and arthritis to heart disease and cancer. So what are the different types of antioxidants? The flavonoids and phytonutrients found in many plant-based foods are the best sources; for example, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) stands out as a powerhouse antioxidant. It increases glutathione production, another antioxidant that works to maintain a healthy immune response and the detoxification process. A few more examples of nutrients with antioxidant properties include vitamins E and C, selenium, beta-carotene, resveratrol, and CoQ10.
What foods contain antioxidants?
Fruits and vegetables contain the highest amounts of antioxidants, such as the beta-carotene in carrots, peppers, mango, and pumpkin, and Vitamin C in citrus fruits, berries, and broccoli. Seafood, dairy products, and nuts are also great sources of zinc, which acts as an antioxidant, as well as many other beneficial antioxidants found in whole grains, green tea, onion, garlic, and even red wine. Concentrating your diet on these types of foods not only strengthens your immune system but also protects vitality and longevity for overall health and wellness.
What are the benefits of antioxidants?
We have already explained a little about what antioxidants do in the body, but here are a few key areas in which antioxidants are beneficial:
- Reduce inflammation
- Strengthen immunity
- Support liver detoxification
- Improve disease prevention
- Protect skin from sun damage
- Encourage healthy aging
One single antioxidant isn’t responsible for all of the work, meaning that you should focus on eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you’re getting the full spectrum of benefits from all the different kinds of antioxidants. While getting these nutrients from food is always the best, sometimes a supplement can help give your body an extra boost.
Where can I get a good antioxidant supplement?
You can buy a pharmaceutical-grade antioxidant supplement at our pharmacy! Available at our pharmacy location as well as on our website, Active Greens + Reds is a superfood blend of phytonutrients and antioxidants with no artificial colors or added sugars. The strawberry kiwi flavor tastes delicious, and all of the ingredients are natural vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and symbiotic intestinal flora that support energy, metabolism, digestion, detoxification, immunity, pH balance, and more. Plus, there are no stimulants or caffeine!
Now that you know what antioxidants are, check out our anti-inflammatory diet guide to learn more about how to improve your nutrition and eat more antioxidant-rich foods!
