Get A Boost From Anti-Oxidant Foods

Get a Boost From Antioxident Foods
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kriss_L_Brooks]Kriss L Brooks 

Our bodies need many different substances to stay healthy and function properly. Antioxidants are an example, as they are very beneficial to the human body and are essential to live a healthy life. They are also easy to consume as they are found in a variety of healthy, delicious antioxidant foods.

Antioxidants are minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that protect and repair cells in the body. Antioxidant foods contain high quantities of antioxidant vitamins, like vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, as well as other antioxidant compounds, such as zinc and copper. Foods that are rich in antioxidants allow the body to fight against free radicals, which harm cells. The body of someone who consumes enough antioxidants will therefore be able to repair the damage caused to the cells, and this leads to various benefits.

The advantages of having a diet rich in antioxidant foods are plenty. Antioxidants are known mostly for boosting the immune system. They therefore help protect the body from infection, and can help avoid colds and flus and other common diseases. Studies have also shown that antioxidant foods may even help avoid heart disease and cancer, as well as certain age-related diseases. By protecting and repairing cells, antioxidants help prevent blindness, arthritis and even Alzheimer's disease among many others.

Luckily for us, antioxidants can be found in many different foods, all of which are not only extremely beneficial to our health but also very tasty and enjoyable. Antioxidants are mostly found in fruits and vegetables. The highest source of antioxidants in fruits is found in berries such as blueberries and cranberries. Blueberries, for example, are overflowing with antioxidants and are a delicious food one can eat to obtain these beneficial substances. Colourful fruits and vegetables are the ones that usually contain most antioxidants, in fact fruits like peaches and cherries and vegetables like tomatoes and corn are very high in antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidant minerals such as zinc, copper and selenium can be found in various meats including poultry and red meat, and even in seafood and whole grain products. Other sources of antioxidants include various beans and nuts, such as walnuts and hazelnuts. To make the most of antioxidant foods one should eat them raw if possible, and they should never be overcooked.

Antioxidant foods are essential for a healthy life as they boost our immune system and repair our cells, helping us avoid many common as well as serious diseases. Foods that are rich in antioxidants include a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, blackberries, peppers and corn, as well as many nuts, meats, seafood and whole grains. One should be careful to maintain a balanced diet and consume enough antioxidant foods every day to stay healthy and enjoy all their great benefits.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-a-Boost-From-Antioxident-Foods&id=8096359] Get a Boost From Antioxident Foods