Antioxidants are substances that help the body delay or prevent the action of free radicals in cells, preventing permanent damage that can, over time, lead to the development of diseases such as cancer, cataracts, heart problems, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
Normally, antioxidants are produced by the human body in small amounts and, therefore, it is necessary to eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent premature aging and protect cells and DNA from changes. Discover the 6 essential antioxidants.
- Foods that contain the most antioxidants are generally rich in vitamin C.
- Vitamin E.
- Selenium and carotenoids and therefore mainly include fruits and vegetables.
The ORAC table is a good tool to evaluate the amount of natural antioxidants per 100 grams of food:
To ensure adequate antioxidant intake, it is recommended to consume between 3000 and 5000 Oracs per day, taking care not to eat more than 5 servings of fruit for example, for example, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist to adapt the quantity and type of fruits and vegetables according to individual needs.
See other foods at: Foods rich in antioxidants
In addition to eating these foods, it is also advisable to avoid certain activities such as smoking, going to highly polluted areas or being in the sun for a long time without sunscreen, as this increases the concentration of free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants in capsules are widely used to complement the diet and improve the appearance of the skin, preventing wrinkles, sagging and brown spots.
Normally, capsules are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene and omega 3 and can be purchased without a prescription from conventional pharmacies.However, it is always recommended to consult a dermatologist before using this type of product.An example of an antioxidant in capsules is goji berry.For more information: Goji berry in capsules.