“There are hundreds, probably thousands, of different substances that can act as antioxidants.
The most familiar ones are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and other related carotenoids, along with the minerals selenium and manganese.”
You may have heard the word ‘antioxidants’ several times in relation to food and whether something is high in antioxidants but what does it actually mean? Is it a good thing you may be wondering? Read on, to find out more!
Antioxidants are compounds which are produced in your body but also found in several foods. Ultimately, they help to defend your cells from damage by harmful molecules which are known as ‘free radicals’. When these free radicals accumulate, they may cause a state known as oxidative stress which can damage your DNA and other important structures in your cells.
Long term oxidative stress can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Fortunately for us, eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help increase your blood antioxidant levels to combat oxidative stress and lower the risk of these diseases. Want to know which foods contain the highest levels of antioxidants? Check out our blog here!
