7 Ways Antioxidants Help Your Health

Posted by Superberries Team on 12/17/2022 to Lifestyle

7 Ways Antioxidants Help Your Health

You’ve probably heard of antioxidants, and you know you are supposed to be incorporating those superfoods into your diet, but what are they? Antioxidants, as their name suggests, inhibit oxidation, which is basically a process of deterioration, responsible for turning iron to rust and turning apples brown. In our bodies, oxidation can cause damage to important molecules in our cells such as DNA and proteins necessary for proper cell function. Fortunately, our bodies know how to use food rich in antioxidants to help prevent this deterioration. Here are 7 ways antioxidants help your health.

1. Reduce Inflammation 

Our bodies produce inflammatory cells when we are ill or injured to fight bacteria and infection. Sometimes chronic illnesses, such as asthma or cancer, as well as lifestyle factors such as excessive stress can contribute to inflammation. Vitamins A, D, and C as well as curcumin (found in turmeric) are often prescribed to help reduce systemic inflammation.

2. Help Improve your Gut Biome 

Beneficial bacteria are necessary to the health of our digestive systems. Studies have found that antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the gut by regulating beneficial gut bacteria. Eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants is one easy way to promote your own gut health.

3. Contribute to Improved Mental Health 

Though antioxidants alone are not a cure-all for mental health issues, they have been shown to have a benefit in some patients. Oxidative stress has been linked to anxiety and depression. Reducing oxidative stress by eating a healthy diet can be one leg of an effective mental health treatment plan.

4. Aid Brain Function  

Our brains have naturally high metabolic activity, so they use a lot of oxygen, which makes them prone to oxidative stress. Antioxidants have the potential to help delay cognitive decline such as memory loss.

5. Help Prevent Disease 

Antioxidants support normal cellular function and antioxidants have been linked to reduced chances of contracting cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic disorders. Vitamin A and beta carotene have been linked to reduced cancer risk and Vitamins C and E have proven effective against cardiovascular disease.

6. Maintain Eye Health 

We have all heard that carrots are good for our eyes, but it turns out that the reason for that is the antioxidants beta carotene and Vitamin E. Studies are showing that a diet rich in antioxidants can help slow the development of cataracts and macular degeneration.

7. Repair and Maintain Healthy Skin 

So many skincare products contain Vitamin C these days because studies are showing that the antioxidant can reduce puffiness and inflammation in the skin, repair discoloration, and aid in the production of collagen, all of which makes skin look healthier and more youthful. The most effective way to deliver Vitamin C to the skin is topically, so those Vitamin C serums really can be beneficial.

We’ve always known that eating fruits and vegetables is part of a healthy diet and now we know why. Eating antioxidant-rich foods is more effective than taking supplements for delivering antioxidants to your cells. Superberries Aronia Berry Products contain the highest amount of antioxidants compared to other fruits. They are delicious and versatile, so you can add them to almost any meal. Your whole body will thank you when you do.