Antioxidants are kind of like superheroes fighting for your health. They help support health and well-being by protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
And when free radicals don’t have enough antioxidants to keep them in check, they can start to contribute to things like premature aging, inflammation, and a number of chronic health issues.
How antioxidants support optimal health and healthy aging
Free radicals are basically unstable molecules caused by a number of things, like the natural detoxification process of the body, too much sun, environmental pollutants, poor diet, pesticides, cigarette smoke and certain drugs, industrial solvents, and even the ozone! All of which can contribute to aging and chronic diseases!
These unstable free radicals have an odd number of electrons. So they go through the body trying to steal electrons from other cells. This is how free radicals cause damage to the cells in your body — right down to the DNA level!
This is where antioxidants come into play. Each antioxidant has a different role. And while your body naturally creates antioxidants, eating an antioxidant-rich diet can help give your body added protection. By including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, you can support optimal health and healthy aging.
Luckily, it’s easy to get more antioxidants in your diet. And it can even be delicious, too! Here are some of the top antioxidants and how to get more into your diet.
5 Top Antioxidants And How To Get More In Your Diet
1. Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are the rockstars of the plant world. They're what give fruits and vegetables a red, blue, or purple color. But these colorful compounds aren't just for show. They also have some serious health benefits.
Studies have shown that anthocyanins can help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, improve heart health, boost brain function, and have antiviral properties.
Foods that are high in anthocyanins include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, elderberries, tart cherries, and acai berries.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost immunity and reduces inflammation. It also helps keep your skin, bones, blood vessels and connective tissues healthy.
Like many plant-based nutrients, it’s water-soluble, which means your body won’t store it. While it’s fairly rare to be seriously deficient in vitamin C, having a low level of vitamin C can cause dry hair and scalp, gingivitis, and the inability to ward off infection.
There are lots of great foods that are high in vitamin C, including citric foods, spinach, kale, moringa leaf, and broccoli.
3. Flavonoids
Flavonoids provide a whole host of benefits. These powerful compounds can help reduce inflammation, boost heart health, and even improve brain function. They can also help your body defend itself against everyday toxins.
Lucky for us, flavonoids are found in some of the most delicious foods out there! Flavonoid-rich foods include dark chocolate, green tea, blueberries, strawberries, apples, and pineapple.
4. Lycopene
That vibrant red color you see in a juicy tomato is lycopene. Lycopene gives certain fruits and vegetables their beautiful red and pink hue. But it also packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. From heart health to protecting your skin from the sun, lycopene is a true powerhouse.
Some of your favorite summer foods are great sources of lycopene, like tomatoes and watermelon. Other foods high in lycopene include grapefruit, guava, papaya, red bell peppers, persimmons, red cabbage, and mangoes.
5. Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene, which is found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, helps support healthy vision and immune function. It’s also thought that beta-carotene improves memory and cognitive health. Beta-carotene also helps maintain healthy skin, and may protect against UV radiation from too much sun exposure.
The most well-known source of beta-carotene is carrots, but other vegetables that are high in this antioxidant include beets, kale, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, winter squash, spinach, and broccoli.
An easy way to get more antioxidants every day!
Some days, getting your daily dose of antioxidants can feel daunting and best and downright impossible at worst. It requires planning every meal, every day, as well as cooking and eating at home more often. And with busy schedules, it can be hard to make sure you’re getting the right nourishment every day.
This is why many people add green drinks into their daily routine. But while most green drinks taste grassy and chalky, Island Bliss is a green drink that you’ll actually enjoy drinking!
Island Bliss is a delicious blend of superfoods packed with antioxidants that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged, including:*
- An organic fruit blend loaded with raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and elderberries.
- Organic tart cherries and Acai fruit
- Organic spinach, kale, and broccoli
- Organic moringa leaf and green tea leaf extract
- Organic tomato, beet, carrot, and apple
But the benefits of this superfood elixir doesn’t stop there. Island Bliss also contains organic turmeric, probiotics and prebiotics, and a mineral complex. This unique blend supports natural energy, healthy immunity, optimal digestion, and overall health and vitality.*
Whether you're looking for a tasty way to energize your life or just want to indulge in a tropical treat, Island Bliss is the perfect choice. With its antioxidant-rich ingredients and delightful flavor, it's sure to become a part of your daily wellness routine you actually look forward to.*
Go ahead and treat yourself to a taste of the tropics – your body will thank you! Click the link below to get yours today!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.