if you’ve been involved in the fitness or wellness industry, you’ve probably heard the word “antioxidants” thrown around either on social media or to market different products. antioxidants are super important but not many people actually know why, or what role they play in our bodies! here, we’re diving into the world of antioxidants and exploring their role in protecting our bodies from oxidative stress.
what are antioxidants?
antioxidants are natural compounds found in various foods and produced by our bodies. they play a crucial role in defending our cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. but what are free radicals? well, they are highly reactive molecules that can cause oxidative stress in our bodies, leading to inflammation.
oxidative stress:
to understand the importance of antioxidants, let's first explore oxidative stress. our bodies naturally produce free radicals as byproducts of normal metabolic processes. additionally, external factors such as pollution, uv radiation, and unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking or a poor diet can increase the production of free radicals. when these free radicals accumulate, they can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and an increased risk of various health problems, including chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
the role of antioxidants:
antioxidants act as powerful defenders against oxidative stress. they neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, effectively stabilizing them and preventing them from causing further damage. antioxidants have the remarkable ability to terminate harmful chain reactions triggered by free radicals which minimizes the harm they can cause our cells.
types of antioxidants:
some of the most well-known antioxidants include:
- vitamin c: found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, vitamin c is a potent water-soluble antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
- vitamin e: abundant in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, vitamin e is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
- beta-carotene: found in colorful fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin a and acts as a scavenger of free radicals.
- flavonoids: these plant compounds are found in foods like berries, tea, cocoa, and vegetables. they have strong antioxidant properties and have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
beam’s super greens has you covered with each of these top 4 antioxidants all in one scoop! plus, you’re getting nutrient variety from 26 different fruits and veggies, and digestive support to reduce bloating. super greens will be your favorite part of your day since the flavors like cherry limeade and sunny d are spot on!
when we’re consuming enough antioxidants, stress and inflammation are lowered and our bodies are so happy! click here to pick up super greens and you won’t have to worry about being low on antioxidants 🙂