We live in unique times. We live in a day and age where we are perfectly capable of increasing our average life span. We have so much information enabling us to lead healthier lives.
Here is an example.
Our body is in a state of constant threat from free radicals. These free radicals enter our body and cause cellular damage. Your cells will not receive enough oxygen. Enter antioxidants. These are compounds found in food and also exist in our body. Antioxidants defend our cells from the potential carnage of the free radicals.
The free radicals once they enter your body, they start populating everywhere. This accumulation can have adverse effects on our bodies. DNA can be harmed. Possibility of one being affected by these lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Luckily for us, we now have information about everything. As we speak, probably scientists are researching what are the healthiest food choices to increase the level of antioxidants in the blood. Seriously!
One of the most commonly used tests to define the antioxidant level in food is called the FRAP(ferric reducing ability of plasma). It measures the ability of the food to eliminate the free radicals in the body.
Some of the best antioxidant rich foods include:
- Spirulina: We are highly prone to contaminated water and several other pollutants in the environment. Spirulina, the blue green microalga, has several antitoxic properties. Spirulina can easily fight against pollutants like arsenic, fluoride, mercury, lead and iron. Aside from this, studies show spirulina having anti cancerial properties.
- Spinach: Spinach is a great source of nutrients. It contains vitamins, minerals and a lot of antioxidants. It is low calorie high potency food. Spinach is also said to contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants which can protect against the effect of UV rays on your eye.
- Beetroot: Beetroot is a fine source of potassium, iron and many antioxidants. Beetroot produces a group of antioxidants called Betalians. They have the ability to suppress inflammation and reduce the risk of cancers.
- Kale: After Spirulina, Kale is one of the nutritious green colour foods available to man. Kale is rich in vitamin A, K and C. They carry more anthocyanin antioxidants. Kale is a wonderful source of calcium from plants and works phenomenal on bone health.
- Beans: Beans are one of the cheapest sources of antioxidants. It is available in most geographical locations. They are high in fiber and can regulate your bowel movements. Kaempferol is a kind of antioxidant found in beans and is said to work well against chronic inflammation and several types of cancers.
- Raspberries: Availability is scarce and due to that, this berry is not cheap. However, they are definitely worth the money you are paying.They are anti inflammatory and their antioxidant properties can reduce the risk of many cancers. They are also good to prevent oxidative stress. Anthocyanins are the group of antioxidants found in these berries.
- Artichokes: In the olden days, artichoke leaves were used to cure jaundice. Artichokes are a great source of minerals and antioxidants. They are particularly rich in the antioxidant called cholrogenic acid. A very powerful antioxidant capable of neutralizing the threat type 2 diabetes and many cancers. It is advised that frying the vegetable will decrease its antioxidant capabilities.
- Dark Chocolate: For all the chocolate lovers out there, this is a boon. Dark chocolate is highly nutritious and has more cocoa which is rich in antioxidants. They raise the blood antioxidant levels and prevent LDL.Cocoa can regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk factors of a heart disease.
- Blueberries: Just like Spirulina, blueberries also contain the group of antioxidants called anthocyanins.These antioxidants can decline the risk of a lowered brain function depending on the age. They do this by eliminating harmful free radicals and reducing inflammation. They also have an impact on the cholesterol levels and can regulate blood pressure.
- Red cabbage: Talk about an antioxidant rich nutritional profile? Red cabbage is up there. The group of antioxidants present in Red cabbage is anthocyanins. Red cabbage also contains vitamin C which keeps the immune system intact and the skin firm. Among other things red cabbage can also help prevent heart diseases.
Our lifestyle has led us to many diseases. The only way to fight them is to prevent them and to do that we have to be aware of the fuel we consume. We need more nutrient rich foods and we need to have a strict discipline in consuming them.