Antioxidants comprise of flavonoids, minerals and vitamins and are an important group of nutrients. They are very beneficial to us.

Antioxidants help to negate the harmful effects of free radicals which attack our cells. Free radicals are formed when food is oxidated and converted into energy. The free radicals are negatively charged electrons that attach themselves to positive protons within the cells. It is this process that causes DNA and cellular damage. This is when cancer and other damaging diseases set in.

(Learn more about flavonoids here)

Athletes make more use of antioxidants as their increased movement helps to make the blood flow better in the body

When this happens, more oxygen and nutrients are supplied to the cells. The down side to this is that the more your body uses oxygen, the more your body produces free radicals. This is why it is so important to use antioxidants when you train.

A good antioxidant should contain Manganese, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin C,  and Vitamin E.

Antioxidants are good for the prevention of disease, building muscle and heart strength

Grains, nuts, whole fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants.

You may or not know that the food that we eat today is not as mineral and vitamin rich as it should be. Therefore, you should think about taking a good antioxidant supplement. This is especially the case if you exercise a lot or compete competitively in sport.

See what Dr. Luigi says about herbal immune boosters.

When you exercise or participate in sport, you damage your cells. (A valid reason not to exercise? )

Don’t worry about this too much as recovery takes place when you rest, and you get your fill of antioxidants.  (Oh, okay- )

Antioxidants are a catalyst for healing in the body

As mentioned earlier, antioxidants neutralize the bad that free radicals do. Vitamin E, which is an extremely powerful antioxidant, helps the body to recover faster and this helps you to get back to training sooner rather than later.

Some food sources of antioxidants include curcumin, tumeric, cinnamon and green tea. Dark chocolate, red wine, avocados, nuts and vegetable oils are other great sources of this nutrient. In terms of fruit look towards citrus fruits, strawberries, apples, cranberries, red grapes, cherries, cranberries and berries.

Good vegetable sources of antioxidants include brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale and spinach.