How to Increase Your Antioxidant Intake

We need to breathe in oxygen in order for us to survive. Just about every process taking place inside our bodies involve the utilization of oxygen molecules.

Sadly, there’s one downside to the use of oxygen, and that’s the production of highly unstable molecules called free radicals. Having lots of free radicals in the body can lead to what’s referred to as oxidative stress.

The problem with oxidative stress is that it causes massive damage to the body’s healthy cells. From there, all kinds of problems may come into being, ranging from the early formation of unsightly wrinkles to the development of deadly cardiovascular disease and many types of cancer!

No, not breathing is not the solution. In order to neutralize excess free radicals and fend off oxidative stress, health authorities highly encourage increasing one’s intake of antioxidants.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of your hard-earned cash on supplements just to get your body supplied with lots of antioxidants — all you have to do is include in your everyday diet some of the best food sources of antioxidants, and they are fruits, vegetables and spices.

Here are some tips on how to ensure that there’s never a shortage of antioxidants in your body:

Steer Clear of the Peeler

Perhaps you have already heard or read about the fact that much of the nutrients can be found in the peel. Well, scientists confirm that much of the antioxidant content of fruits and vegetables are also present in the peel.

Needless to say, refrain from reaching for that peeler if the peel of a fruit or vegetable is edible. Just make sure that you wash it thoroughly before consuming.

Worried about ingesting pesticides and other harmful chemicals? Immerse the item in a solution of water, vinegar and baking soda for a few seconds. You may also simply opt for organic fresh produce.

Be a Big Fan of Berries

There are various superfoods on the face of the planet, and majority of them are berries. It’s for the fact that every single one of them is teeming with those free radical-neutralizing antioxidants.

What’s so nice about berries is that you can add them to your diet by snacking on them or incorporating them into some of your most favorite healthy treats — oatmeal, yogurt, vegetable salad, whole-grain baked goodies.

According to health authorities, it’s perfectly fine for you to opt for frozen berries. Freezing berries do not actually damage antioxidants as well as the many vitamins and minerals that they have.

Check Out the Spice Rack

Contrary to popular belief, fruits and vegetables are not the only phenomenal sources of antioxidants. Health authorities confirm that so many different spices are also loaded with those molecules that have the ability to zap free radicals.

Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, cinnamon, turmeric, clove, peppermint, allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper — these are some of the most antioxidant-packed spices out there.

It’s no secret that many spices do not come cheap. Well, you don’t really need a lot just to fight off oxidative stress. Oftentimes, a pinch is more than enough!

Have a Cup of Tea

An excellent way to welcome some antioxidants into your diet without the added calories is to brew and sip a cup of tea. Definitely, you can get loads and loads of powerful antioxidants from black or green tea.

Coffee is from coffee beans, which are phenomenal sources of antioxidants, too. It’s for this reason why enjoying your favorite Joe allows your body to be flooded with antioxidant molecules.

Sensitive to caffeine in black tea, green tea and coffee? No worries — you can obtain good amounts of antioxidants from various herbal teas. Some great examples are ginger, lemon balm, hibiscus, sage, chamomile and peppermint tea.

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