Aging is an inevitable reality of life. However, how we manage to age is in our hands, up to a great extent. Therefore, aging healthy should be a priority in each individual’s life. To age healthy means to take care of our physical and mental health so that your body is built strongly inside out and is ready to combat any illness. Now, there are many ways of ensuring good health. Regular exercise, nutritionally sound meals, adequate sleep, and low stress are the four major pillars of good health. But, for all these pillars to function at their best, you need to have one crucial element in your body- antioxidants. That’s right. Antioxidants are a part of the many essential micronutrients that can keep you physically fit and mentally happy. Antioxidants are also one of the biggest anti-aging components, which makes them an absolute necessity among seniors. What are antioxidants, and how can you obtain them?
Antioxidants are small particles that carry out oxidation within the body and look for free radicals, which can potentially cause cell damage. So, in a way, antioxidants protect the body from major damages caused by the cells. Since antioxidant content can lower free radical damage, they impose a protective effect by lowering the risk of developing major diseases and infections.
Some good sources of antioxidants are:
- Vegetables- Onions, eggplant, red capsicum, pumpkin, etc.
Fruits- Mangos, grapes, berries, apricots, etc.
Protein- Fish, eggs, tofu, lean meat, etc.
Herbs- Garlic, parsley, tea, etc.
Here are the top health benefits of antioxidants:
Protective Effect
As mentioned previously, antioxidants control the damage caused by free radicals. And you should know that the damaging effect caused by free radicals is quite intense. They can cause impairment of the eye, leading to vision loss. Other than that, free radicals can also cause joint pain, arthritis, nerve cell damage causing Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, all these diseases are becoming increasingly common among older adults. However, antioxidants reduce the risk of developing these diseases due to their protective effect against free radicals.