The Importance of Antioxidants

Ways to incorporate them into your daily diet

Chances are you've heard about antioxidants and you know that they are important, but do you really know why you need them and how to make them a mainstay in your diet? Antioxidants deactivate particles called free radicals. Our bodies constantly create free radicals; they are often created by exposure to environmental factors, including radiation, tobacco smoke, pollution, and various herbicides. Antioxidants act like a sponge, sweeping them up before they can do damage to your body. They turn the free radicals into waste by-products, and sooner or later they are eliminated from your system.

According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer, so this is yet another reason to be mindful of getting enough of this important substance in your daily diet.

Beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins A, C, and E are all antioxidant powerhouses. Fruits and vegetables contain tons of naturally occurring antioxidants. Check out this list of recommended eats:

It is our responsibility to take care of our health – after all, no one else is going to do it for us! Eating a diet of fruit, vegetables, lean meat, and healthy fats (with dessert in moderation!) is more important than ever for a quality life. Just knowing that help sweep away free radicals from our systems merely by eating them is, well, a no brainer. Set your sites on including antioxidants in your daily diet. It is easy and a great way to protect the future of your health. Out with free radicals and in with antioxidants- do it today!

Laura Miller writes on beauty, fashion, and health related topics from a big city in the South. Her writing talent and love of all things beauty have culminated in her dream job.