Background
Have you ever wondered why your sliced apples start to change color when left out? It’s a bit like magic!
You see, when the inside of an apple meets the air, which is full of oxygen, something interesting happens. It starts turning brown. But don’t worry, there’s a nifty trick you might already know about –using lemon juice.
You know what’s cool? Lemon juice has a superhero called vitamin C, an antioxidant that can put a stop to this browning process. It’s like a protective shield for your apples! And guess what?
Our bodies have a similar thing going on. We breathe in oxygen, just like apples do when they meet the air. It’s all quite fascinating, really!
In our daily lives, our body’s cells endure quite the adventure. They go through a lot, whether it’s from our regular activities like breathing and eating, or dealing with the hustle and bustle of life – cleaning, working, and staying active.
The thing is, our cells are superheroes when it comes to self-repair. But, there are these sneaky villains like stress, smoke, sun rays, sugar, and alcohol that can cause damage, leading to all sorts of health issues. These damaged cells can affect every part of us –from our skin to our brain, muscles to our bones.
Boosting Your Health
And you know what they bring with them? Symptoms like fatigue, aging on fast forward, and aches. They up the risk of serious problems like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. So, taking care of those cells? Definitely a priority!
While you can’t halt the ongoing reactions inside your body, you have the power to shield your precious, healthy cells and supercharge your body’s defense system. Think of antioxidants as the heroes in your food and supplements. They’re battling against the molecules that can wreak havoc and lead to chronic health issues.
Imagine indulging in a delightful array of foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, chocolate, green tea, and coffee. These are your trusty allies packed with antioxidants, ready to boost your well-being. Picture the vibrant colors of fruits and veggies, each shade carrying its own antioxidant prowess. For tip-top health, aim for a rainbow on your plate.
Remember, there’s a big family of antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, all playing their part in keeping you feeling fantastic.
The Rise of Natural Remedies
While chemical medications can be powerful, their long-term use and potential interactions with other drugs can sometimes bring along unwanted guests, which can be a bit of a worry.
That’s why there’s a growing interest in turning to safe and effective natural ingredients to ease those troublesome symptoms. Now, when it comes to antioxidant vitamins, they’re like the unsung heroes of good health.
Fatemeh Ashkar, Master of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Alberta
