How to Make the Most of Antioxidant Foods
Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants can have many health benefits. Studies have shown that high antioxidant foods help repair the damage caused by free radicals and can help slow and even reverse some of the signs of aging, fight cancer, and promote heart health.Even if you are increasing your intake of berries and stocking up on leafy green vegetables, there are some other ways you can make the most of the antioxidant foods you do eat. You have control over some activities that contribute to free radical damage. While you are making the most of antioxidant foods, live a healthier lifestyle. This will reduce the free radicals in your system and make the most of the antioxidants you're adding to your diet.
Instructions
-
-
1
Eat your fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible. Heating can reduce or destroy some of the nutritional value in food, so be sure to eat some of your vegetables and many of your fruits raw.
-
2
Avoid creating free radicals by limiting your exposure to the sun. Sun exposure causes oxidative damage that leads to the destruction of skin cells and premature aging. Tanning beds are destructive to skin cells too.
-
-
3
Quit smoking. Smoking causes damage to the fat cells in your body (lipid peroxidation). This is major free radical activity. Worse, smoking also reduces the amount of vitamin C in your body, a powerful antioxidant vitamin.
-
4
Reduce your alcohol intake. Even moderate drinking can cause free-radical damage. In the case of excessive drinking over a long period of time, the damage may continue even after you stop drinking.
-
5
Stop overeating. Eating too much causes free radical damage, even if you are eating foods that are supposed to be good for you. Speak with your doctor to determine what a healthy caloric intake would be for you and stick with it.
-
6
Avoid excess in other areas of your life. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Dial down the partying, and get plenty of rest. Use caffeine in moderation. Exercise to stay fit, but don't overdo it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It's never too late to start eating antioxidant-rich foods. A number of studies suggest that antioxidants are very powerful and can be a big ally in the fight to get or stay healthy.
If you are trying to quit smoking but haven't been able to yet, take a vitamin C supplement regularly, and eat plenty of antioxidant rich foods.
Resources
- Photo Credit Courtesy of Morguefile
