Antioxidants are a vital part of a person’s diet. They slow the aging process and protect you from the toxic world that we live in. Our cells are constantly bombarded by toxins and antioxidants act as our personal body guards.
Oxidative damage is caused by toxins and free radicals. Free radicals cannot be avoided. They are produced by stress, lack of sleep, exercise, food, air pollution and electronic devices (1).
There are three primary types of antioxidants found in nature and they include phytochemicals, enzymes and vitamins. Most antioxidants other than enzymes are produced in plants. So, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake will greatly improve the number of antioxidants helping to keep you healthy.
Protecting your brain and memory are other advantages to antioxidant intake. Research shows that there are many benefits to ingesting antioxidants and memory. One study that was featured in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, seniors were given antioxidants for 4 months. At the end of the study they all had improved memory function (2).
Utilizing the bounty of antioxidants that nature has given us, helps us to function at an optimal level. They give our brain the support it needs for a long and memorable life.
Sources
- Liou, Stephanie. “About Free Radical Damage – HOPES”. stanford.edu. N.p., 2017. Web. 5 Mar. 2017.
- Summers WK, et al. “Complex Antioxidant Blend Improves Memory In Community-Dwelling Seniors. – Pubmed – NCBI”. nlm.nih.gov. N.p., 2017. Web. 5 Mar. 2017.