How To Stay Young And Healthy Forever - Eat Antioxidant And Fiber-Rich Foods

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adriana_Thomas]Adriana Thomas

There are different ways for staying healthy, and looking young. Among the best methods include eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, regular exercise, and having a happy disposition and mood. Another way for staying healthy and looking young includes eating foods that are rich in antioxidants. Just what exactly are antioxidants?

The Health Benefits of Antioxidants

Antioxidants, according to health experts, are substances or nutrients which help to prevent or slow down oxidative damage to our body. Once the cells in the body utilize oxygen, they often naturally create free radicals, which can damage other healthy cells. Antioxidants often act as hunters of free radicals; therefore they help prevent the damage done by these elements. Diseases like macular degeneration, heart disease, diabetes and cancer are often hastened or brought about by oxidative damage made by these free radicals. According to a recent British health study, serving yourself an average of five servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables daily helps lower the risk of stroke by as much as 25 percent, as well as considerably lower the risk of cancer and other life-threatening infections.

Which Foods Are High In Antioxidants?

Health experts suggest that to stay healthy and look young, you need to eat at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamins A, C and E, and also contain high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich fruits include blueberries cranberries and blackberries, while for vegetables beans, russet potatoes and artichoke hearts are antioxidant-rich. Carrots, sweet apples, broccoli, tomatoes, kale, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots, along with nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts and pecans, cinnamon, oregano and ground cloves are also good sources of antioxidants as well.

Tips For Choosing Antioxidant-Rich Foods

When choosing antioxidant-rich foods, remember that there are different types of antioxidants that It would in fact be very helpful if you consume a wide array of antioxidant-rich food items.
One of the best methods for ensuring that you're getting the right amount of antioxidants is to eat as much fresh vegetables and fruits each day. Purchase a good juicer, so you'll be able to drink fresh vegetable juice every day.
Whenever you're washing and preparing fruits and vegetables, make sure you properly wash each item, especially if the fruit or veggie is known to be heavily contaminated with pesticides.
Goji berries and raw chocolate are also rich in antioxidants.

Oxidation, even in metals, leads to the development of rust, and breaks down the surface of metal objects. This is the same effect created by free radicals to our body. Free radicals often attack healthy cells, including protein and fats, which lead to a weakened immune system and paves the way for the entry of a wide array of diseases, and also speed up the aging process. By having a healthy dose of antioxidant-rich foods, cell damage can be reduced or slowed down, and the person will be able to live a normal and healthier life.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Stay-Young-And-Healthy-Forever---Eat-Antioxidant-And-Fiber-Rich-Foods&id=5433170] How To Stay Young And Healthy Forever - Eat Antioxidant And Fiber-Rich Foods