Antioxidant Foods: Avoid Aging from the Inside

True skin health results from overall health. Antioxidant foods not only enhance the effects of our products, but they may improve your overall health, fight cancer, block free radicals from damaging your body. Several foods have been found to be very high in certain antioxidant properties. Include them in a balanced diet to ensure better overall health.

Berries

Berries are known as superfoods. They’re rich in a variety of antioxidants, with some berries containing multiple compounds that improve your health. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries contain ellagic acid, which combats carcinogens. Blueberries have been shown to delay age-related cognitive impairment.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, an antioxidant that reduces the risk of breast cancer and other estrogen-sensitive cancers of the ovaries and cervix.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are famed for their high quantities of lycopene, but recent research has also shown them to be high in gluthathione, which boosts immune function.

Red Grapes

Resveratrol is one of the more recently discovered antioxidants. It’s present in red wine and red grapes. Mounting evidence indicates that it fights cancer, wards off inflammatory diseases, and slows the aging process.

Garlic

Long considered a vital component in bringing flavor to many dishes, garlic has also recently been shown to fight free radicals and improve blood flow. It plays a role in warding off heart disease and lowering the blood pressure. Healthy blood flow can improve your skin’s health and bring color and warmth to your face.

Spinach

Spinach is high in lutein, which is a key component of healthy vision. Scientists believe that lutein helps protect the eyes from sun damage and the effects of free radicals.

Soy

For several years, doctors have recommended soy to their female patients to help prevent osteoporosis and alleviate the symptoms of menopause.  Soy contains isoflavones, which mimic estrogen and may play a role in preventing breast cancer.  It can also help reduce cholesterol.

Tea

Both green tea and black tea are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants. Green tea contains catechins while black tea contains theaflavins, both of which are highly beneficial. In addition, tea contains a great deal of water, which helps ensure proper hydration in the skin and body.

Like the rare French melon used in Meaningful Beauty products, many fruits, vegetables, and grains have been found to contain antioxidants. Most of these foods have long been prized by the local cultures where they grow, and now scientists have a better understanding of the important role they play in our lives. Of course, you shouldn’t go overboard in any one antioxidant food, but you should enjoy as many different foods as possible. Chocolate, red wine, and berries are just as vital to good health as spinach and whole grains. Enjoy them all as you toast to good health and healthy skin.