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The Power of Antioxidants

By Teodora Raichinova

We’ve all heard the term ‘antioxidants’ thrown around just as we’ve all heard about the positive effects that they have on our bodies. But can any of us really explain what antioxidants actually are? And do any of us know where they can be found or what a recommended daily intake should be. Well, by the end of this article I guarantee you will be an antioxidant genius

An antioxidant is a molecule capable of preventing any damage to cells caused by ‘free radicals’. But what on earth are free radicals? Well, free radicals are unstable molecules that have lost an electron somewhere along the way. These free radicals then steal electrons from other molecules in a bid to restore themselves and thus in the process create more free radicals. Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, herbicides and cigarette smoke can also spawn free radicals and given our modern lifestyles, we are exposed to these elements on a daily basis.

So where do antioxidants come in? Well antioxidants donate electrons to free radicals in order for them to become stable molecules. Antioxidants also have the ability to repair earlier damage to cells and as free radicals are one of the biggest contributory factors towards heart disease and cancer, they really are vital for good health and wellbeing. Antioxidants also delay the appearance of aging and enhance the quality of nails and skin.

In addition to several different food types, antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables and although there is no set guideline as to the quantity we should intake on a daily basis, a general rule would be to include at least five. The main antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C, polyphenols, carotenoids and microelements such as selenium, zinc, manganese, iron and copper. Big words I know but as you will see below, it’s not hard to source them and incorporate antioxidant rich ‘superfoods’ into your daily diet.