The past decade has created a hype about antioxidants. Health hypes are common and come in spurts. Antioxidants and superfruits are just the new hype of this generation. Few people actually know what antioxidants are and what they do. Most people only know that they are good for us and can be important to health in some way.
Antioxidants are present in certain kinds of foods and when consumed can help the process of fighting free radicals. Free radicals are produced by oxidation and can lead to damaged cells through chain reactions. Some believe that oxidation can lead to disease in humans, such as strokes, though this has not been proven. Some also believe that antioxidants can help fight the process of pre-aging.
One misconception about antioxidants is that they can work miracles. Recently nearly every supplement contains antioxidants that claim to repair skin, treat cancer, help shed pounds, improve hair growth, and so many other things. In reality antioxidants cannot give dramatic results. The results of antioxidants, if consumed regularly, are better overall health.
In the end antioxidants have been linked to preventing heart disease, though studies have shown that consuming high amounts of fruits and vegetables can also prevent heart disease. Research is currently being conducted to determine if antioxidants can help prevent brain ailments and other bodily illnesses.
Many people believe that they have to go out of their way to consume antioxidants, such as purchasing supplements or buying drinks with the word “antioxidant” attached. Most of these drinks and supplements actually have very low amounts of antioxidants. In order to achieve any desired result, antioxidants must be consumed in high amounts.
Fortunately most people do not have to search very far to get their needed amount of daily antioxidants. All they need to do is eat healthy. Certain foods are full of antioxidants without even trying. The food that is highest in antioxidants is the small red bean. Others include wild blueberries, pinto beans, cranberries, kidney beans, artichoke hearts, blackberries, prunes, sweet cherries, pecans, russet potatoes, granny smith apples, and others.
