We hear nutrition buzz words like antioxidants, free radicals, and oxidative stress all the time… but what do they really mean, and more importantly what does it mean for your health?
What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals is a chemistry term that describes a molecule that is unstable. A molecule is unstable when it has an uneven number of electrons, and is constantly searching to bond with other molecules to gain that electron.
When an unstable molecule bonds with an existing stable molecule, it “steals” the electron it needs and causes a domino effect by making the once-stable molecule turn into a new free radical.
The term “free” refers to the fact that these molecules are traveling throughout the body looking for a fix (an electron).
Sounds innocent enough, but free radicals are responsible for:
- Accelerated aging
- Destruction of DNA
- Clogging of arteries
- Tissue damage
I should add that our body naturally produces free radicals when it needs to fight off viruses and bacteria. However, most of us have way too many free radicals due to environmental factors like pollution, radiation, smoking or inhaling smoke, pesticides, herbicides, and stress.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are phytochemicals, vitamins, and other nutrient dense substances that fight free radicals. Antioxidants to the rescue!
How can you tell if a food has antioxidants? Colors!
Plants create different colorful pigments to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays. Plants too can develop free radicals if they are under too much ultra violet sun light. That’s why they develop bright and colorful antioxidants.
Lucky for us, we can eat these colorful plants and fruits and gain the beneficial antioxidants to help us fight free radicals.
Ever notice how all of these “antioxidant superfoods” are dark and colorful like pomegranate, blueberries, acai, etc? Yep, it’s those color pigments that have the antioxidant properties we’re looking for.
Antioxidants act like scavengers for free radicals, giving them one of their electrons. The key is that antioxidants continue to be stable even if they donate an electron. Hence antioxidants have a stabilizing effect, that can repair damage and prevent more from happening.
Antioxidants also improve your body’s immune system, helping you fight off colds and out of control cell reproduction.
How Do You Get Antioxidants Naturally?
I’ve already hinted at this in the previous section, but the trick to getting your antioxidants in naturally is to eat lots of colorful plant based foods.
Think in rainbows. Dark blues and purples, shimmering reds, yummy oranges, delightful yellows, powerful greens.
When you shop at the farmer’s market or grocery store, look for the bright colors. Manufacturers try to lure you in with brightly designed boxes and cans, but if you let your instincts kick in you’ll be drawn to the naturally beautiful colors of fresh organic produce.
Studies have shown that eating more than 5 portions of fresh fruits and vegetables each day can cut down your risk for heart disease and stroke by 25%.
I think these natural antioxidants are working their magick!
Leave a comment
What’s your favorite colorful fruit or veggie? Leave a comment below and let me know!
{ 11 comments }
Berries and melons are among my all time favorites for a delicious way to get rainbow colored antioxidants! And here're other reasons to eat plenty of them: antioxidants also play an important role in supporting the liver natural detoxification process, and the lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon and other red fruits and veggies, was more efficient than most of the expensive creams to fight skin ageing!
My favourite vegetable is the spring green, I can't get enough!!
Woohoo that's awesome Lucy! Love your enthusiasm!
Ooh yeah, those berries hit the spot. :) Thanks for adding that in Veronica, you are a wealth of knowledge. :)
Ooh yeah, those berries hit the spot. :) Thanks for adding that in Veronica, you are a wealth of knowledge. :)
I think blueberries are probably my favorite… ;)
And AWESOME explanation of antioxidants and free radicals! I certainly learned a lot… I had no idea exactly what they were and how they worked… LOL
Yes – I just had a handful of blueberries, so woohoo. :)
I know, it's crazy how simple the whole thing is when it's explained in concrete terms – as opposed to marketing speak. ;)
YOUR SO CUTE :) THANKYOU SISTA , FOR SHARING SO MUCH MAJIC INTO OUR WORLD . EVERYTHING IS SO EASY AND FUN TO READ WHAT YOU WRITE . AND SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND.IVE BEING WANTING TO GO RAW FOR AGES , CAST MY OWN SPELL INTO THE WILD AND NOW YOUVE ARRIVED TO TEACH ME THE MAJIC I NEED TO KNOW . FULL POWER TO OH MASTER WITCHY FOOD;0)
Hi Sundari! Wow, your writing is magnetic! You must be casting a spell, indeed. ;) Welcome and thanks for leaving a comment my dear, you rock!
my favourtie colour is green thanks for the information
Yay Kathleen, thanks for stopping by and commenting. :) Have yourself an awesome day!
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