101 on Fending off Free Radicals with Antioxidants
Whether you’ve already become acquainted by name with these unpaired electrons that go in search for their other half within your body or not, this is a topic that you’ll really want to get to grips with to empower you on your wellness journey.
The body is under constant attack from oxidative stress and pollutants in the atmosphere and free radicals become the natural by-products of both internal and external factors. Free radicals have a field day when fried foods, alcohol and pesticides are involved, this is when these single pringle’s really like to mingle, in the party that is your body. They have designs on ‘stealing’ an extra electron to become stable and the damage doesn’t stop there, as the new molecule, say a piece of the cell wall is now missing an electron and has become a new free radical. This sets of a chain reaction, and not in a floor fillers hit kinda way.
Free radicals wreak internal havoc and their effects can be apparent on the exterior too as they diminish the skin’s structural support which causes a decrease in elasticity and overall glow. It is true that those living in large cities are more prone to free radical damage because air pollution and higher toxicity but everyone experiences the effects of free radicals to some degree. Many health practitioners often view the skin as a mirror, reflecting the body’s internal toxic load. When the body is overloaded with more toxins than it can handle, both health and skin condition starts to suffer.
How Antioxidants can come to the Rescue?
Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that can help to prevent and repair damage to the body’s tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing down or preventing the effect of free radicals. When it comes to caring for your skin, antioxidants can help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Unlike sunscreens and moisturisers, antioxidants can protect the skin from the inside out by guarding the cells from damage. Vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium are thought to be particularly helpful in skin care. In addition to helping to fortify cells against free radicals, vitamins A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself. This is very helpful to the skin which is constantly shedding and then re-growing cells. For this reason, any antioxidants that protect cells and encourage cell growth could be helpful in normalising skin development and achieving a healthy skin tone.
Fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help to protect the skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals. Older skin cells are constantly being shed and replaced by younger ones, therefore it is essential that a constant supply of micronutrients is given to support this rapid growth. Beta-carotene found in pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes and lutein, found in kale, papaya and spinach are potent antioxidants. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is essential for optimising the immune systems efficiency and promotes bright, blemish free radiant skin. Vitamin C found in blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, oranges, strawberries and sweet potatoes among many others helps to produce collagen which strengthens the capillaries that supply the skin.
It is also important to incorporate selenium into the diet as it is an extremely powerful antioxidant. It works along other antioxidants such as vitamin E and C and is essential for the immune system. Studies suggest that a selenium-rich diet can help to protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots. Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, just four nuts will provide the recommended daily amount. In addition, wheat germ, buckwheat, tomatoes and broccoli are excellent choices to incorporate in your diet. Vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative damage and promotes healthy skin development and can be found in high concentration in almonds, hazelnuts, avocado, pine nuts, and sunflower oils.
So go forth and begin your free radical fighting mission with gusto and say hello to an extra glowing YOU.