Each one of us has both antioxidants and free radicals present inside of our bodies at all times. Some antioxidants are made from the body itself, while we must get others from our diets by eating high antioxidant foods. Our bodies also produce free radicals as byproducts of cellular reactions. For example, the liver produces and uses free radicals to detoxify the body, while white blood cells send free radicals to destroy bacteria, viruses and damaged cells.
When certain types of oxygen molecules are allowed to travel freely in the body, they cause what’s known as oxidative damage, which is the formation of free radicals. When antioxidant levels in the body are lower than that of free radicals — due to poor nutrition, toxin exposure or other factors — oxidation wreaks havoc in the body. The effect? Accelerated aging, damaged or mutated cells, broken-down tissue, the activation of harmful genes within DNA, and an overloaded immune system.
The Western lifestyle — with its processed foods, reliance on medications, and high exposure to chemicals or environmental pollutants — seems to lay the foundation for the proliferation of free radicals. Because many of us are exposed to such high rates of oxidative stress from a young age, more than ever we need the power of antioxidants, which means we need to consume high antioxidant foods.
Here’s a list of some antioxidant rich foods & herbs. Not only are they good for you but, adding herbs to your foods will enrich the flavor of your food immensely. Try it. We think you will like it!
- Kale
- Wild blueberries
- broccoli
- Artichoke
- Tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Sweet potatoes
- Blackberries
- Cilantro
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Oregano
- Turmeric
- Cocoa
- Cumin
- Parsley
- Basil
- Ginger
- Thyme
