Antioxidants are molecules that protect our bodies from free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous compounds that cause damage to the body, resulting in infections and diseases such as diabetes and cancer, as well as death. These free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants, which keep your body healthy and strong. The presence of antioxidants in your body is critical to your survival....CONTINUE READING
The body can produce antioxidants, and we also consume antioxidants when we eat foods high in them. Antioxidants are more than just vitamins and minerals, though some vitamins do qualify as antioxidants. While these are also very important, antioxidants belong to a different class and are equally important.
That means you must ensure that your diet contains foods high in antioxidants. If you eat more antioxidant-rich foods, your body will be able to combat free radicals before they cause any harm.
The good news is that such foods are not difficult to find, and we will be exploring some of them today.
1. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
How many times as a child were you told to eat your vegetables? You may not like the taste, but vegetables are quite healthy because they contain a lot of good stuff, such as vitamins and minerals, and they are high in antioxidants.
Beta-carotene (found in spinach), indoles (found in cabbage), lutein (found in most green leafy vegetables), and other antioxidants are found in vegetables. While the antioxidants found in vegetables may appear to be different, they all serve the same purpose: to keep your body healthy.
Bitter leaves, wild lettuce (efo yanrin), scent Leaf (nchuanwu, efirin), fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu), lemon basil, and jute leaves are some other common dark green leafy vegetables in Nigeria (ewedu).
2. Fruits.
Fruits, like vegetables, are healthy and should be consumed in greater quantities. Mangoes, berries, grapes, and oranges are high in antioxidants, which protect your body from free radicals and other harmful agents.
Fruits such as orange, mango, and strawberry are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, which helps to keep infections at bay. Cryptoxanthins and anthocyanins are two other antioxidants found in fruits.
Nigerian pear, apple, pawpaw, mango, grape, guava, and garden egg are examples of antioxidant-rich Nigerian fruits.
3. Complete Grains
Whole grains have all three parts – bran, germ, and endosperm – intact. It is thought to be healthier than regular grain because it contains more nutrients, such as antioxidants. Whole wheat, brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, and millet are examples of grains in Nigeria. Grains are suitable for people suffering from diabetes, cancer, or heart disease.
4. Beans
Beans are a high-nutritional-value food as well. It is high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients such as antioxidants. The fiber in beans promotes healthy bowel movements and prevents constipation. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and slow cancer growth.
5. Fish
Fish is an excellent source of selenium, which is an antioxidant. Selenium has numerous health benefits, including lowering the risk of certain cancers, preventing mental decline, preventing heart disease, and boosting the immune system. Overall, consuming selenium would be extremely beneficial to your body.
In conclusion
The antioxidants’ protective effect on the body cannot be overstated. These antioxidant-rich foods in Nigeria should be consumed as frequently as possible. Remember that a high-antioxidant diet can reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer.
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