Anti - Its simply a prefix which means counteracts or prevents.So, you can say something that counteracts an oxidant.Now, you may ask what is oxidant? Well,To oxidize is to combine with oxygen.Hence, antioxidant literally mean "to counteract/prevent oxidization.When antioxidants enter our body,mostly through foods,it prevents the oxidation of other molecules.This process of oxidation can create free radicals, or incomplete particles.Free radicals attach themselves to other tissues and cells destroy them.Then how do we stop them? These antioxidants then, come for rescue.Antioxidants neutralize the destructive effects of free radicals.
Remember,it's natural to have some amount of free radicals in our body but excess can cause harm.These excess occurs due to air pollution,cigarette smoke, personal products,cleaning products,over exposure to sun.
Many of our diseases can also be related to this ,which includes diabetes,cancer,heart disease,tissue and muscle degeneration,premature ageing,wrinkles, cataracts, Alzheimer's etc.
Many of our diseases can also be related to this ,which includes diabetes,cancer,heart disease,tissue and muscle degeneration,premature ageing,wrinkles, cataracts, Alzheimer's etc.
Antioxidants are generally of 5 types,known as ACES( Vitamin A,C,E, mineral Selenium and Lastly Zinc).Easy to remember, right?Try to incorporate the foods having these ACES.Remember anything fresh and organic is always best.Let me include a list of foods rich in antioxidants.
| Rank | Food item | Serving size | Total antioxidant capacity per serving size |
| 1 | Small Red Bean (dried) | Half cup | 13,727 |
| 2 | Wild blueberry | 1 cup | 13,427 |
| 3 | Red kidney bean (dried) | Half cup | 13,259 |
| 4 | Pinto bean | Half cup | 11,864 |
| 5 | Blueberry (cultivated) | 1 cup | 9,019 |
| 6 | Cranberry | 1 cup (whole) | 8,983 |
| 7 | Artichoke (cooked) | 1 cup (hearts) | 7,904 |
| 8 | Blackberry | 1 cup | 7,701 |
| 9 | Prune | Half cup | 7,291 |
| 10 | Raspberry | 1 cup | 6,058 |
| 11 | Strawberry | 1 cup | 5,938 |
| 12 | Red Delicious apple | 1 whole | 5,900 |
| 13 | Granny Smith apple | 1 whole | 5,381 |
| 14 | Pecan | 1 ounce | 5,095 |
| 15 | Sweet cherry | 1 cup | 4,873 |
| 16 | Black plum | 1 whole | 4,844 |
| 17 | Russet potato (cooked) | 1 whole | 4,649 |
| 18 | Black bean (dried) | Half cup | 4,181 |
| 19 | Plum | 1 whole | 4,118 |
| 20 | Gala apple | 1 whole | 3,903 |
Different antioxidants benefit different parts of the body. The beta carotene in carrots can help maintain eye health. The lycopene in tomatoes can heal prostrate conditions. The flavonoids found in tea, cocoa and chocolate are good for your heart, while the proanthocyanidins found in cranberries and apples can aid in the maintenance of the urinary tract.
You may be tempted to take extra supplement of these antioxidants for maximum benefits.The extra dose of these may not always be better.That is why , it is recommended to have most,if not all, from your diet.Avoid taking antioxidants just after work out as it may cancel some positive effects of that work out.A regular supply of antioxidant will always keep you healthy from within.
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