Infectious diseases are spreading rapidly nowadays, and our body needs a strong immune system to fight back these viruses & bacteria. Antioxidants play a crucial role in fighting against diseases. Antioxidants are compounds that help delay or even prevent cell damage in the body. Antioxidant benefits include supporting muscle recovery, reducing free radical damage, and improving eye, skin, and heart health. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are the keys to good health. BodyFirst provides a wide range of antioxidants. These products include substances like Astaxanthin, Quercetin & Glutathione to protect against wear and tear of the body. So, adding antioxidants to our daily diet is essential. However, certain foods are rich in antioxidants. Some antioxidant-rich healthy foods that must be a part of the diet are:
1. Berries
Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even goji berries, are all at the top of the list of antioxidant-rich fruits. Berries are low in calories and high in fibre. Blueberries are among the best sources of antioxidants in the diet. They are rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and delay the decline in brain function that occurs with age.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is a popular Nutraceutical and acts as an antioxidant. Green tea contains catechins & polyphenols that increase total plasma antioxidant activity. Daily intake of green tea is a good way to increase the antioxidant levels in the body.
3. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are orange-coloured tubers, hence are rich in vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. They're high in fibre and antioxidants, which protect your body from free radical damage and promote a healthy gut and brain.
4. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains more cacao beans and less sugar. The cacao beans contain flavonoids, which act as antioxidants that play a major role in improving memory, cancer prevention, weight loss, and heart health.
5. Beetroot
Beets are a great source of fibre, potassium, iron, folate, and antioxidants. They contain a group of antioxidants called betalains that have been linked to suppressing inflammation & preventing cancer.
6. Spinach
Spinach is a less-calorie green leafy vegetable. Zeaxanthin and lutein are two of the antioxidants in spinach that may promote bone, eye, heart, and hair health.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts contain the most polyphenols. They are rich in protein, fibre, and unsaturated fatty acids, which make them a great snack. It is seen that walnuts keep brain cells working, improve our memory, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
8. Spices & Herbs
Spices like garlic and cumin and herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme are rich in antioxidants and add flavour to the meals. They act as an immunity booster in the body.
9. Artichokes
Artichokes have the highest antioxidant content and can fulfil the daily requirement of vitamin C. It has chlorogenic acid that may reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus.
10. Dried Fruits
With the water removed, the antioxidant ratio is higher in dried fruits than in fresh. Also, they are easy to carry and eat.
11. Broccoli
A cruciferous vegetable like broccoli contains numerous nutritional benefits. It is rich in phenolics, which prevent them from oxidative stress. Polyphenols act as potent antioxidants, as they protect cells against oxidative damage.
12. Red Cabbage
Red cabbage, also known as purple cabbage, contains vitamins A, C, and K and has high antioxidant content. It contains anthocyanin, a group of antioxidants that give cabbage its colour and provide various health benefits.
With these healthy additions to your diet, you can also include BodyFirst products to achieve maximum results. BodyFirst Glutathione capsule reduces melanin production and detoxifies the liver. BodyFirst Astaxanthin improves eye health and works as an immunity booster. BodyFirst Tocotrienol reduces cholesterol levels and improves cognitive functions. Overall, antioxidants play an important role in the body and should be a part of your diet.