Antioxidants to Protect You

Antioxidants are the substances that help our bodies fight infection and stay healthy. Aging is the slow accumulation of tissue damage that adds up over the years. When we are young, our bodies can easily control problems, but as we get older it becomes harder. Antioxidants can help reduce the damage from normal age-related decline. This article outlines some foods and nutrients rich in antioxidants.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful nutrient and one of the best antioxidants. Vitamin C takes part in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body. It’s crucial for building tissue as well as well as supporting a number of vital functions.

Recent research has given scientists more insight into this remarkable nutrient. Evidence shows that vitamin C supports respiratory and cardiovascular function, cognitive performance, bone health and vision.

Cardiovascular Health – High intake of vitamin C can drastically reduce the risk of death from heart problems and stoke in countless studies.

Immunity Booster – Anyone who has been to the doctor for a cold knows has probably been recommended to get plenty of vitamin C. Adequate doses of vitamin C can also help prevent colds and flu.

Collagen Maintenance – Vitamin C plays an important role in the creation and management of collagen. Collagen is found throughout the body giving strength to bones, cartilage, teeth, ligaments and tendons.

Cancer – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protect cell structure, including those structures that enhance the immune system and fight against cancer causing agents. Many of the benefits of vitamin C supplements are due to the fact that it is an antioxidant. As we get older, it becomes even more important to get enough vitamin C.

Green Tea

Green tea has a dizzying array of benefits. This antioxidant has been popular for centuries due to its healing properties. Green tea also contains chlorophyll molecules like those found in bilberry, gingko and grape seed. The antioxidant properties of green tea are the reason for all the benefits.

Second only to water, green tea is the most consumed beverage on the planet. The antioxidants found in green tea are called polyphenols, a bioflavonoid that defuses issues caused by harmful fats and oils. Green tea can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and strengthen your immune system.  

Green Foods

It has long been known that green foods are full beneficial of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Foods that are naturally the color green are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, chlorophyll and beta carotene. They help protect you from heart disease, cancer, bowel problems and many other health conditions.

The power of green foods in our diets is validated by scientists all over the world. It’s interesting how long it takes for modern science to confirm what has already been objectively demonstrated centuries ago. Whole, green fruits and vegetables are already in the perfect package. Many people eat green food supplements, as it can be hard to fill your diet with all the foods you need to get the benefits from greens. 

Garlic

Garlic is one of the most popular as well as the most studied herbs in history. Garlic is a first-class antioxidant with plenty of compelling health benefits. This food is not only tasty, it’s incredibly healthy. Below are just a few of garlic’s many health benefits.

·       Garlic can boost your immune system. Garlic can be a valuable force to help fight off viral infections like common colds.

·       Garlic is good for heart health. It has been shown to improve blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension.

·       Garlic is a natural antibiotic that kills harmful bacteria in the body.

·       You can incorporate garlic into your diet to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This has been shown to prevent plaque buildup that blocks artery walls.

·       Garlic is known to help manage glucose levels, which can offer diabetics considerable benefits.

·       Many lab studies have shown that garlic prevents a number of different types of cancer.

·       Garlic contains selenium, which is an anti-inflammatory immune booster that prevents cancer. 

Your health care provider will work with you to determine what course of action is best for your health. Total Home Health can connect you with experienced health care experts who are ready to help you live a long, healthy and fulfilling life. Join today to learn jumpstart a longer, healthier life.