Antioxidants

Antioxidants, although understated, we hear about them everyday in the world of wellness and health. 

WHAT IS AN ANTIOXIDANT?

Antioxidants are those substances that can help our body fight off harmful free radicals by neutralising them. They can be classified into 2 categories - Primary and secondary antioxidants.

Primary antioxidants are the chain-breaking antioxidants which defend our bodies from free radicals and harmful anti-inflammatory reactions.

Secondary antioxidants are act as preventatives and aid with repairing of damaged cells. 

WHAT IS A FREE RADICAL?

Free radicals are unstable molecules in our bodies that can damage cells causing various illnesses (like vision loss, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer, diabetes, etc.) and ageing. These radicals can be formed by our body naturally (during oxidation or metabolism) or in response to external factors like smoking, air pollution, UV rays, etc. 

HOW CAN ANTIOXIDANTS HELP?

Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body and help to prevent the damage caused by them. A diet rich in antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of many illnesses and improve wellbeing. 

SOURCES OF ANTIOXIDANTS

• Different colours of vegetables and fruits
• Legumes & beans
• Wholegrain food nuts and seeds
• Spice extracts 

SPICE EXTRACTS CAN BE A QUICK WAY TO BOOST ANTIOXIDANTS

Spices can be a great way of boosting our antioxidant levels, you can just add them to your preferred drinks and food.

The following are great tasting spice extracts that are rich in primary & secondary antioxidants:

Rosemary - Rosemary has amazing antioxidant properties that can promote healthy brain functioning as well as digestive health.

7-Spice - A beautiful energising mixture of seven warming spices, including Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg and Black Pepper which are all rich in antioxidants.

Vanilla - Vanilla is naturally high in antioxidants to help maintain healthy skin and in many cultures, it is regarded as having the best anti-ageing properties. 

You can buy all 3 of these extracts together in our antioxidant bundle. 

WHY SPICE EXTRACTS ARE BETTER THAN SPICES?

• Fast absorbing
• Need in small quantities so long lasting
• Subtle and aromatic flavours
• Easy on the guts 

CONCLUSION

To conclude, a healthy and well-balanced antioxidant intake is essential for our health, to help protect ourselves from harmful free radicals and the risk that comes with it. The safest strategy can be ensuring an adequate intake of healthy plant foods and spices that contain rich levels of vitamins C and E, which are essential dietary requirements.

Note: above article is for information only and is part of the natural remedies to common problems. If you have specific concerns or persistent health problem, please contact your GP.