According to leading health and wellness expert and antioxidant scientist, Dr Vincent, of Podcast Ask Dr Vincent, antioxidants are one of the most important things we should be consuming.
"We age and get sick because our cells become damaged and compromised. When oxygen is metabolised in our body, known as oxidation, it creates unstable molecules also known as free radicals. These move through our body damaging our cells as well as DNA.”
"Most of us can cope with some free radicals, however when there are too many in our body, a lot of damage is done and this directly leads to serious diseases including cancer, liver disease, arthritis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease among others.”
"Our lifestyle can also directly contribute to the buildup of free radicals, such as stress, smoking, alcohol, sunlight, pollution, lack of sleep and poor quality food.”
"Antioxidants move through the body, mopping up free radicals and neutralising them which effectively reduces the damage caused by oxidation. We can increase the number of antioxidants in our body through diet, however additional support through products such as activated phenolics is also a good approach."
Foods that are rich in antioxidants:
“Plant foods are rich sources of antioxidants. They are most abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods including nuts, wholegrains and some meats, poultry and fish.”
Leeks
Onion’garlic
Pumpkin
Mangoes
Apricots
Carrots
Spinach
Parsley
Milk
Nuts
Lean meat
Red capsicum
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Soybeans
Tofu
Lentils
Whole grains
Corn
Tomatoes
Pink grapefruit
Watermelon
Sweet potatoes
Kiwi fruit
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