Antioxidants

No doubt you've heard a lot about antioxidants. But what is an antioxidant anyway, and why should we be incorporating them into our diet?

Scientifically, an antioxidant is a molecule that prevents the oxidation of other molecules. Simple enough. So what's oxidation, and why do we want to avoid it? Well, oxidation is a chemical reaction that produces free radicals, which, by way of chain reaction, damage and age healthy cells.

In layman's terms, free radicals are produced through a chemical process, and free radicals are responsible for the things like premature aging (which causes aging spots and skin imperfections like wrinkles), and makes you more susceptible overall to disease.

The best way to take in antioxidants naturally is to eat foods high in antioxidants. Superfruits, like blueberries, pomegranates, mangos, and grapes have all been shown to increase the level of antioxidants in your body. Vegetables like dark, leafy greens, and brightly colored foods like beets, yams, and red cabbage all have a dense amount of antioxidants.