Nutrition
Antioxidants. You’ll find them everywhere such as drinks, powders, even beauty products. Why the buzz? Some research shows that a higher intake of antioxidants, especially through healthy foods, can help lower the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are chemicals, either naturally occurring in food or manmade, with properties that may prevent or delay some cell damage caused by harmful molecules. Types of antioxidants include:
- Vitamin C helps protect cells and boosts the immune system
- Vitamin E supports skin health and helps protect cells from damage
- Beta-Carotene supports vision and immune function
- Flavonoids help reduce inflammation and support heart health
- Selenium helps protect cells and boosts the immune system
- Lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease
- Polyphenols help reduce inflammation and improve overall health
Health benefits of antioxidants
Exposure to free radicals, or unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells in the body, can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as memory issues and vision loss. Smoking, air pollution, sunlight and industrial chemicals are just some of the sources of free radicals that people are exposed to every day.
Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals before they can do damage to our bodies. To harness their power, many people opt to take antioxidant supplements. However, research isn’t definitive about whether this approach is effective. Instead, it's better to incorporate antioxidant-rich foods into a balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Antioxidant-rich foods
Antioxidant-rich foods offer a range of benefits that can enhance overall health and well-being. By combating oxidative stress and neutralizing harmful free radicals, these foods help protect cells from damage, reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Incorporating a variety of antioxidant-packed fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet can contribute to improved heart health, better skin and a lower risk of chronic diseases, making them a valuable addition to any balanced nutrition plan.
- Broccoli, along with other cruciferous veggies, is packed with special compounds that may protect against some cancers
- Artichokes contain vitamin C and flavonoids
- Grapes are high in the antioxidant resveratrol
- Tomatoes contain lycopene which helps protect against cancer, hypertension and heart disease
- Berries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants that can protect against cell damage
- Whole grains are rich in fiber and full of plant compounds
- Spices include cinnamon, oregano, basil and parsley are high in flavonoids
- Beverages such as green tea, red wine, pink grapefruit juice and tomato juice have unique bioactive antioxidants
The color of food is often linked to its level of antioxidants and health benefits, where dark, richer colors like red, blue, orange and yellow are often higher in antioxidants. Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, or "eating the rainbow," ensures you get a wide range of essential nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health and prevent disease.
Mom's Meals® can help
Nourishing the body with the right foods can make a difference in one’s health. Mom’s Meals provides medically tailored meals for nutrition-sensitive chronic conditions, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes, along with meals for overall wellness. Each meal is designed by registered dietitians and professional chefs, and conveniently delivered direct to homes nationwide.
Mom's Meals are free from artificial food dyes, artificial sweeteners, and primarily use natural flavors. In addition, we no longer produce meals with the artificial preservatives of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.
