The Power of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are some of the most important nutrients to include in your diet to combat ageing, increase recovery rates and improve overall cell function. The reason antioxidants are so important is due to their effect on free radicals. The body is under constant oxidative stress as we use oxygen for different metabolic functions such as glycolysis -  this is the process of turning the carbohydrates we eat into functioning glucose to fuel metabolism. During these oxidative processes we produce free radicals. These molecules are single electron molecules and since electrons like to be in pairs, they seek out other electrons so that a pair can be formed. This process causes damage to cells, proteins and DNA.

 Free radicals have been shown to increase rates of disease in the body such as cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and many others. In addition to this, recent studies have also demonstrated their link to higher rates of ageing. 

 As you may have figured out by now, although free radicals are natural by products of oxidative processes,  we want to reduce the amount of free radicals in our body as much as possible. This is where antioxidants come into the equation; antioxidants keep free radical levels in check. Antioxidants are molecules in cells that prevent free radicals from taking electrons and causing damage. Instead, antioxidants are can give the free radicals an electron, thus stopping the free radical reaction… How generous!

 Your body produces antioxidants by itself, however in an insufficient amount. It is therefore important to acquire antioxidants through dietary methods. One of the best sources for dense volumes of antioxidants are fruits, berries in particular. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are all great options to get some extra antioxidant intake in your diet. 

 Our Antioxidant Blaster smoothie is a great source of antioxidants and it's also delicious check our recipe here.