One of the reasons that your cells deteriorate is because of the action of one of the chemical components called “free radicals”. The way to combat the effects of these components is by means of substances known as antioxidants, and that may be found in many foods. A diet rich in antioxidants protects you from cellular deterioration and its effects, such as illnesses or aging.  

Free radicals and antioxidants

These are components that are sometimes formed naturally in the body and other times they come from the exterior. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron. In order to stabilize, they steal that electron from another molecule that then turns into a free radical, and so on and so forth until they destroy the cell that contains all those molecules. This deterioration process is known as oxidation, something similar to when a metal oxidizes.  

However, there are certain components that do not turn into free radicals even if they are robbed of an electron. For that reason, these components stop the oxidation process in the cell, preventing it from deteriorating and preventing illnesses.  

The best antioxidants

Vitamin E is one of the most effective antioxidants. It is a fat soluble vitamin (which can be found in fats), and may ge found in vegetable oils, especially in wheat germ oil, and in nuts such as almonds, sunflower seeds or peanuts. Broccoli and spinach are also a good source of vitamin E.  

Vitamin C is also an excellent antioxidant. It is very important to include vitamin C in the diet because our organism cannot manufacture it.  Vitamin C is especially effective to combat free radicals that cause environmental pollution. Guava is one of the fruits that has the highest content of vitamin C, just as strawberries, kiwis and citruses such as lemons or grapefruit.

Selenium is a mineral that also has antioxidant properties and also protects against heart conditions and it stimulates the immune system. Selenium may be found in whole-grain cereals and in fish and mollusks. Beta-carotenes belong to the vitamin A family. They are good anti-oxidants and they turn into vitamin A in our bodies. Dark fruits and vegetables such as red pepper, spinach, broccoli or tomatoes have a lot of beta-carotene.

Fruits and veggies.

Taking the vitamins mentioned above in big quantities is not considered a good solution to combat oxidation caused by free radicals. The best way to absorb these vitamins is through foods that contain these vitamins in their natural state.  

Some of the foods that are considered to be the most antioxidant are: cranberries and other berries (blackberries and strawberries), prunes, oranges, cherries, apricots, broccoli, tomatoes, grapes, garlic, carrots, whole-grains and soy.  

In general, to make your diet not only antioxidant but beneficial for your body, eat five servings of fruits and veggies that include as many colors as possible (dark green, red, orange, yellow). These fruits and veggies of intense colors are rich in nutrients and in vitamin C.  

Also include lean meats, fish, dairy products and nuts and small amounts of healthy vegetable fats.