Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals by getting rid of them before they cause any damage. Antioxidants are known to reduce blood pressure, prevent heart disease and cancer and also slow down the processes of ageing.
There are some antioxidants the body is capable of synthesizing from its own sources. Glutathione is one such antioxidant and it gets synthesized in cells from amino acids.
But there are quite a few antioxidants that the body needs and our diet is the main source to provide them. Here are some of the best antioxidant food and drink sources.
Berries — Berries are full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins and are a rich source of antioxidants. Blue berries, raspberries and black berries are rich in proanthocyanidins that is capable of cancer and heart disease.
Broccoli — Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol and are known to prevent cancer and heart disease. The antioxidant present in these vegetables is capable of breaking down estrogen in the body hence reduces the risk of estrogen sensitive cancers such as breast cancer and cancer of the ovaries and the cervix.
Tomatoes — Tomatoes contain lycopene a member of the carotenoid family and it is known to ward off prostate cancer in men. They also contain the antioxidant glutathione which is known to boost the immune function.
Garlic — Garlic has the property of lowering cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, fighting free radicals and keeping blood from clotting. Eating garlic regularly is known to prevent cancer.
Spinach — Antioxidant lutein present in spinach can reduce the possibility of cataract and muscular degeneration and can improve the health of the eye.
Tea —
