To be eternally young and healthy is the dream of many people. However, all nature on our planet in due time comes to gradual aging and destruction. While scientists have not found the right way to stop the aging process. But nature has long made sure that we have a means that slows down the process of destruction of the body. It's about antioxidants - substances that have an antioxidant effect. Natural antioxidants are found in food.
Effect of antioxidants
The process of aging the body is due to an important chemical process - oxidation. It occurs under the influence of particles with unused electrons - free radicals. In search of a pair, electrons break up the structure of the atom, withdrawing a particle from it. So the mechanism of destruction of other atoms is launched. Electrons, left without a pair, in turn also damage other cells, taking for themselves the electron found. As a result, the full functioning of the body is violated, diseases arise, aging begins.
And the wilting of the body can begin quite early and lead to serious health problems and shorten the life span. Antioxidants can be used to counter this process. Since free radical reactions constantly pass in our body, he himself produces antioxidants to fight free radicals. With a lack of its own antioxidants, the body needs to support the antioxidants contained in food.
Types of antioxidants in products:
- enzymatic (present in all cells of organs and tissues);
- low molecular weight (flavonoids, anthocyanins, certain minerals and vitamins);
- hormones (androgens, estrogens, progesterone).
Products rich in antioxidants
The most powerful antioxidants in products are flavonoids and anthocyanins. Most of these substances can be obtained from vegetables and fruits, differing in sweet and sour or sour taste and having a black, blue, red or orange color. Some fruits of yellow and green are also endowed with a large number of flavonoids and anthocyanins.
Highlight the top 5 leaders in the content of antioxidants by product groups:
Berries:
- cranberry;
- blueberry;
- raspberries;
- currant, especially black;
- Strawberry.
Fruit:
- dark plum;
- prune;
- some types of apples;
- oranges;
- Garnet.
Vegetables:
- cabbage;
- beans;
- beet;
- Red pepper;
- eggplant.
Nuts:
- pecans;
- walnut;
- hazelnuts and hazelnuts;
- pistachios;
- almond.
Seasoning:
- dried parsley;
- turmeric;
- ground cinnamon;
- cloves;
- oregano.
In addition, antioxidants are found in grated cocoa, coffee and tea. And in this respect, all kinds of tea are more or less useful. However, you should drink tea almost immediately after brewing. After five minutes, it will have a minimum of antioxidants.
The amount of antioxidants in foods
The content of antioxidants in the products is the results of different studies. They say that even in one product the content of flavanoids and anthocyanins, vitamins and minerals can fluctuate depending on where and in what conditions the product was grown. In addition, each plant has varieties and varieties, which also differ in their chemical composition and useful properties. However, it can be said with certainty that products containing antioxidants differ in brightness and color saturation.
To the body received a sufficient amount of antioxidants, it is useful to saturate your diet with a variety of natural products. Nuts, spices, berries, vegetables and fruits will help you to prolong youth and strengthen health.