Antioxidants have been talked about a great deal in the past few years. Do you actually know what they are and how they affect your body?
According to Medline Plus (a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health) antioxidants are, "substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases".
Free radicals cannot totally be avoided as the break down of food is a natural process that is necessary for survival. However, too many free radicals can have damaging effects on your body. But you can help your body protect itself by eating foods high in antioxidants. These foods are not only high in antioxidants, but fiber, vitamins and nutrients.
I have stated before that what you eat is just as important as your exercise routine when it comes to reaching your goals. When the inside of your body is functioning to the best of its abilities it will show on the outside. Here is a list of foods(recommended by Donald Hensrud M.D. Endocrinology of the Mayo Clinic) that are high in antioxidants:
Have a fun and fit day, Chicago.
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