As you age, you may start to hear more and more about antioxidants and their importance in keeping your body healthy. This is because as you grow older, your cells produce more harmful radicals, which can damage your DNA and contribute to the development of diseases like cancer. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize these harmful radicals, helping to keep your cells healthy.
There are many different antioxidants, but some are more powerful than others. To know about the best 10 antioxidant superfoods, keep reading!
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that prevent other molecules from being oxidized. Oxidation is a chemical process that can create free radicals, which may harm cells. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and protect cells. They are found in fruits and vegetables, and they are also added to some foods and supplements.
Some antioxidants are made in the body, but not enough to safeguard against all of the free radicals that occur. This is why it’s important to get antioxidants from food or supplements.
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Types of antioxidants
There are many different types of antioxidants, but some are more common than others. The most common type of antioxidant is vitamin C. Other antioxidants include vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lycopene.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that may be found in fruits and vegetables. It’s an antioxidant that can break down free radicals. It is also involved in the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to keep skin healthy.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It’s a strong antioxidant that can protect cell membranes from harm. It is also involved in the production of hormones and maintaining healthy skin.
- Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a pigment that is found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. It is converted to vitamin A in the body, which is important for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Beta-carotene is also a powerful antioxidant.
- Lycopene
Lycopene is a pigment that may be found in red fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant that can protect cells from damage. It is also involved in the production of collagen, which helps to keep skin healthy.