Free Radicals vs Antioxidants – not just a buzz word. PART 2
Last week we looked at free radicals, and how antioxidants can stop them from doing too much damage. This week we are going to look a bit further into the ways we can get our fill of these important antioxidant friends, and how they can help with the anti-ageing process.
Food Glorious Food
One of the easiest ways to get antioxidants? FOOD! Fruits and vegetables are the regular suspects, but there are a few more antioxidant rich food groups which may surprise you! Here is some
Vitamin E – A fat soluble vitamin
Vitamin E is found in a number of different every-day foods. It helps repair damaged skin, balance cholesterol, balance hormones, improve hair thickness and even improve vision. The richest natural source comes from a popular healthy snack – almonds! Packing a punch at 7.3mg per 28g serve, almonds beat out spinach, sweet potato, avocado and trout with the highest concentration of Vitamin E. However it is important to note that you only need a small serve to get a good amount of vitamin E, so vary your sources and make sure you are having a little bit of everything.
Vitamin C – A water soluble vitamin
It is almost common knowledge that Vitamin C helps with your immune system…got a cold? Eat an orange! But did you know that Vitamin C also helps prevent cardiovascular disease, eye disease, wrinkles, and even prenatal health problems during pregnancy! Our bodies do not naturally produce or store vitamin C, so it is vital that you keep up with vitamin C rich foods! Now one would think that highest concentration of this vital vitamin would be found in a citrus fruit…you would be incorrect! One of the highest concentrations is actually found in an Australian native fruit, the Kakadu plum. If you can’t find those at your local supermarket, look for guava, red or green capsicum, kiwifruit or oranges.
Resveratrol- the Friday night antioxidant!
This is the one you have been waiting for! Resveratrol has numerous benefits to general well-being and health, it improves insulin resistance, helping with diabetes and treatment of obesity. It also may have cancer fighting properties, and may potentially help improve lifespan. The best part? Resveratrol is found in red wine, dark chocolate, peanut better and blueberries. Perfect Friday night anyone?
Green Tea – the Superman of beverages
Green tea is a wonder of a thing. It is packed full of powerful antioxidants: polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins (a mouthful I know). These antioxidants are said to have anti-carcinogenic properties, but also can help with weight loss, skin health and general well-being. It also helps warm the soul when life gets stressful, take it from me!
A combination of these antioxidants will ensure your skin and body is positively glowing!