Antioxidants – Helping you Age Much More Gracefully
While there are many ways to explain antioxidants, it’s most simple definition is any substance that inhibits oxidation. According to experts, there are literally thousands of different antioxidants in our diets, some derived from high antioxidant foods and others found within the body itself.
In our last post of this Inner Beauty Powders series, we noted that our busy lifestyles – with its reliance on processed foods and in the absence of healthy whole foods – might be preventing us may from receiving all of the nutrients we need.
Without healthy nutrient levels like antioxidants, oxidative damage in the form of free radicals can cause accelerated aging, an overloaded immune system, chronic disease and other harmful effects – the same process that browns an apple or rusts metal. Our ability to produce antioxidants in the body also declines with age, which can also lead to age-related diseases.
Although its completely normal for your body to produce free radicals, oxidative damage occurs more rapidly when you’re exposed to:
- Air pollution
- Too much alcohol
- Processed foods
- Other toxins
Fortunately, eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help slow down the effects of free radicals and protect us from disease or signs of early aging.
What Are The Best Antioxidant Foods?
Antioxidants are essential for the survival of all living things, and therefore found in all whole foods of plant and animal origin. While some antioxidants are highly effective at neutralizing free radicals, many others are also incredibly important for the overall health of your skin, body and mind.
Whole foods contain a complex array of micronutrients like antioxidants, including several antioxidant vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. Along with antioxidant foods, certain herbs, spices and oils from nutrient-rich plants are also extremely high in healing antioxidant compounds.
While it’s helpful to be aware of the best individual antioxidants, given the complexities of how they work synergistically with other important micronutrients, it’s best to get a range of these antioxidants from the top, nutrient-rich, whole foods, like berries and leafy greens. Taking just one or two isolated antioxidants won’t have the same beneficial effects and in some cases may do more harm than good.
Here’s some of the best ways that you can add healthy antioxidants into your diet:
- Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables
- Deeply hued fruits like berries and grapes
- Green and white tea
- Herbs, spices and oils
How We Nourish With Antioxidants
As with whole foods, there’s no replacement for a healthy, well-balanced diet full of high antioxidant foods that inhibit oxidation, prevent free radicals and chronic diseases.
That’s why our inner beauty powders include unique combinations of antioxidants from some of the top, nutrient-rich, whole foods when it comes to building a strong, sustainable foundation that underpins your overall well being and longevity and secures the health + beauty of your skin, body and mind.
Radiance - super berry antioxidants are key to limiting natural aging processes, retaining elasticity and restoring youthfulness – helping your skin feel more healthy, hydrated and radiant.
Resilience - hearty green antioxidants are incredibly important for enhancing your overall wellness, supporting immunity and reducing the risk of chronic disease - as you restore healthy nutrient levels, you'll feel more energized, stronger and resilient.
Although we’re not always able to eat healthy, well-balanced meals or entirely stop the aging process, the antioxidants found within our inner beauty powders can counteract free radicals and help us age much more gracefully – living longer, healthier, more vibrant lives.
