How to Increase Antioxidants in the Diet
The natural way to increase the body's antioxidants is to eat antioxidant-rich foods. These essential vitamins and minerals are only found in whole, natural foods that have undergone little to no processing. The following list represents the antioxidants (and the foods one needs to eat), in order to obtain them.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and the body's first line of defense against illnesses. Because this vitamin cannot be stored by the body, it is important to eat a diet that supplements vitamin C daily. Food sources of this antioxidant include citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, green bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, and potatoes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect the body's largest organ, the skin. Sources of this vitamin include whole grains, nuts and seeds, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, and fish-liver oil.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is the most studied of the 600 carotenoid antioxidants, because of its incredible ability to protect vegetables and fruits from UV damage, and because it offers the same protection values to humans. It is also an essential antioxidant for good eye health. Beta-carotene can be found in dark green, yellow, and orange-colored fruits and vegetables, including kale, collards, broccoli, carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, cantaloupe, peaches, and apricots.
Selenium
Selenium is a powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant. The best dietary sources of selenium include fish, shellfish, eggs, chicken, garlic, grains, and red meat. Certain vegetables can also be a source of selenium, but only if and when they are grown in selenium-rich soil.
Glutathione
Glutathione is an essential antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals and other toxins. It is naturally produced in the body through the synthesis of cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid, but because it is so beneficial, it is important to eat foods that are high in this antioxidant as well. Such foods include asparagus, avocado, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, and squash.
Peroxidase
Peroxidase is an enzyme antioxidant that occurs naturally in plants and milk. It can be found in such foods as mangoes, soybeans, turnips, and horseradish root.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are wide-ranging, with more than 4,000 different types, but they prove to be the most effective when they are consumed together. They help promote antioxidant activity throughout the body, helping to improve the health of cells, and tissue renewal. When taken with vitamin C, flavonoids help reduce oxidative stress, and the effects of aging. Popular sources of flavonoids include cranberries, beets, grapes (red or black), oranges, lemons, berries, green tea, grapefruit, and kale.
Polyphenol Antioxidants
Polyphenol antioxidants have been shown to be effective at helping combat oxidative stress, but they are not produced naturally by the body. Therefore, the only way to get these antioxidants is to eat phytonutrient-rich foods, such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, cantaloupe, grapes, pears, broccoli, cabbage, celery, onion, green tea, bee pollen, olive oil, whole grains, and chocolate.
Supplement Sources of Antioxidants
Understandably, not everyone has access to the types of fresh foods needed for optimum antioxidant intake. Or, their diet may be simply lacking in fresh, whole foods. Taking antioxidant supplements can help ensure that the body is getting the nutrients it needs, even when they are not coming from its daily diet.One of the most powerful antioxidant supplements one can take is BioAstin® Hawaiian Astaxanthin® from Nutrex Hawaii. While most antioxidants benefit certain bodily functions or organs, astaxanthin is one of the only antioxidants that has the ability to move throughout the entire body, providing protection to all of the cells. As such, it is considered to be nature's most powerful antioxidant.
Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® is another excellent supplement for increasing one's antioxidant intake. Made from a unique, superior strain of spirulina (which has the highest known nutritional content in the world), Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica helps boost the immune system, while providing an incredible increase to one's energy levels.
Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® is the only Spirulina grown with deep sea water providing essential trace minerals and elements. Our patented Ocean Chill Drying™ technology ensures maximum nutrient levels. Grown in a Biosecure Zone, our Spirulina is free of pesticides, herbcides, gluten and lactose and is Non-GMO Project Verified. Ideal for vegans.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have heard or read in this article or the internet.
