While working on the products that we sell, we had to research on quite a lot of nutrition information and find out about what they do. One key question our friends ask the most frequently is about this - Antioxidants.
It seems like everyone is talking about it being beneficial but what is it really?
Antioxidants are found naturally in plants and fruits, coffee, tea, wine and chocolates. There are many different antioxidants, those found in carrots are called beta-carotenes which are very beneficial to our eyes. Lycopenes found in avocado is beneficial for the prostate health. Flavonols in tea are especially great for our hearts while proanthocyanidins in wines and hazelnuts protect our urinary tracy. Vitamin A, C and E are also popular antioxidants and they give us better skin complexion, immune system, better memory and moods.
Oxidants or free radicals are harmful because they damage our cells. They come from sunlight, air pollution, alcohol and smoke from cigarettes. Our body does produce antioxidants but if too much damage is caused, they might cause cancers, deterioration of various body functions and heart failure. Antioxidants help to slow down the aging of our body. They protect us against the damage from the environment and counter act against the harmful free radicals.
So, it is a no brainer to take more antioxidants. Best to take them in snacks form!
However, too much is no good. If there are too much of vitamins consumed, the body just might decline the production of natural antioxidants. Luckily, these vitamins occur in small amount for our healthy snacks so do continue to eat nuts and seeds daily, especially almonds, blueberries and sunflower seeds which has one of the highest amount of antioxidants. Don't forget to give some of these healthy snacks to your kids too.
Enjoy!
