As human beings, our bodies rely on the health of our cells to function optimally; therefore, any untoward thing that happens to these cells will definitely affect our overall health. Yet, these cells, numbering in the trillions, are susceptible to all sorts of threats, ranging from lack of (good) food, to viral infections and every woe in-between.
Worse still is the threat that our body faces from nasty chemicals otherwise known as free radicals. Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health say these nasty chemicals are capable of damaging cells and altering genetic materials in the body.
And, would you know, the body unavoidably generates free radicals as it processes the food we have eaten into energy. Worse still, bad chemicals are in the food we eat and also in the air we breathe. "Some are generated by sunlight's action on the skin and eyes," scientists say.
The Harvard scientists warn that free radical damage is involved in the early stages of artery-clogging atherosclerosis and may contribute to cancer, vision loss, heart disease, Alzheimer's and a host of other chronic conditions.
Studies show that people with low intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are at greater risk for developing these chronic conditions than are people who eat plenty fruits and vegetables.
That is not to say that we are helpless or absolutely subjected to the activities of these chemicals. Rather, our bodies' natural defence also rises up against the ravages of free radicals, quenching them as surely as water douses fire.
Again, we can get defence against free radicals through the foods we eat. Such class of foods is referred to as antioxidants. Epidemiologists say the minerals, fibre, and other substances found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help prevent a variety of chronic diseases.
As crucial as antioxidants are (in natural form via food intake), a six-year trial, called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, found that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc offered some protection against the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration.
Again, dermatologists say, if you want smooth, healthy skin without using chemical-laden products, antioxidants can help. When you incorporate the right antioxidants into your diet and skin care routine, they can have a positive effect on your skin.
Warning
Before we go on, experts warn that taking antioxidant supplements, either as single agents or combinations, could affect your health. In fact, physicians warn that you must not take any form of supplements — including antioxidants — without the supervision of a competent physician. This is mainly because antioxidants interact with some medicines, and this interaction may become dangerous at some point. So, be warned!
So, what are the antioxidant-rich foods that not only renew youth but also keep you in good health? These ones…
Corn: Experts at World's Healthiest Foods argue that apart from its beta-carotene and fibre content, you can get health-supportive antioxidant benefits from all varieties of corn (maize). Corn contains phytonutrients such as carotenoids, high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin, anthocyanins, protocatechuic acid, etc. all of which have strong antioxidant activities in the body when eaten — boiled or roasted.
Olive oil: Olive oil was used in medicines and different ointments. It was also used for nourishment and as an overall healing agent. Extra virgin olive oil (the highest quality) is a monounsaturated fat, and is considered a good fatty acid that protects against bad cholesterol (LDLs). It contains all the vitamins and nutrients of the olive fruit.
As an antioxidant, olive oil protects you from heart disease, promotes healthy digestion, eases the symptoms of ulcers and gastritis, lowers gallstone formation, and balances the fatty acids in the body.
Scientific studies show that people eating two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily for one week show less oxidation of LDLs and higher levels of antioxidants in their blood.
Coconut oil: Experts at raypeat.com say coconut oil is unusually rich in short and medium chain fatty acids, which allow for good metabolism. In other words, coconut oil enables you to burn calories at a faster rate, while it also ups your energy level.
Indeed, experts say as far as cooking is concerned, coconut oil can replace all other oils, butters and margarines because it improves the ratio of "good" to "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Its unique fatty acids such as lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid make it a natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal food. "It is rich in healthy antioxidants, particularly virgin coconut oil, which is produced without the use of heat or chemicals," experts enthuse. And studies suggest coconut oil can also help decrease inflammation, fight infection, and protect the brain from the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Millet: Millet meals are commoner in the north than they are in the south; yet, it is a rich grain that can accompany many types of food, nutritionists say. It is said to be a good source of some very important nutrients, including manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium, with heart-protective properties.
Scientific studies prove that manganese can reduce the severity of asthma and frequency of migraine attacks. It has also been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack, especially in people with atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease. Its niacin (vitamin B3) content can also be of help in lowering high cholesterol, experts say.
The phosphorous in millet also aids in the development and repair of body tissue, lowering the risk for Type 2 diabetes, preventing gallstones by speeding up how quickly food moves through the intestines. It also reduces the secretion of bile acids, as the excessive amounts do contribute to gallstone formation.
Again, a research published in International Journal of Epidemiology reveals that a diet rich in fibre from whole grains — such as millet — and fruit offered significant protection against breast cancer for pre-menopausal women.
Other foods that are rich in antioxidants include spinach, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, lime, lemon, garlic, grapes, mangoes, pineapple, bananas, oranges, apples and green tea, among numerous others.
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