These foods full of antioxidants will help you keep your youthful glow!
Antioxidants provide unique protection to the body and out of the many health benefits, they also slow the aging process. Carotenoid antioxidants are a powerful form of antioxidants that work to protect all cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals exist in the body due to environmental toxins, exercise and other factors. Beta carotene gives orange fruits and veggies their color and also contains carotenoid antioxidants. Beta carotene is also known as pro-vitamin A, because the body converts them into retinol, an active form of Vitamin A. Top anti-aging products on the market commonly contain provitamin A as it is one of the most effective ingredients for turning back the hands of time.
Here are the top 7 Beta Carotene-containing foods out there:
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Herbs
- Butternut Squash
- Cantaloupe
- Collards
Watch this short video from ABC news for more information on Beta Carotene’s anti-aging benefits:
Beta-carotene and other carotenoids can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Other foods rich in this protective antioxidant include: pumpkin puree, mangoes, apricots, broccoli, cheese, tomato juice, baked beans, summer squash, salmon, yogurt, and chicken breast. Since Beta Carotene is fat soluble, eating these foods with a healthy fat like coconut or olive oil can help increase absorption.
Antioxidants and Anti-Aging
Antioxidants work to protect you from the toxins, pollutants, damaging UV rays, and free radicals that can damage cells, and even cause cellular death. As our environment becomes more polluted and filled with toxins and pesticides the need for antioxidants becomes greater. This is because antioxidants have been shown in numerous clinical studies to actually reverse cell damage and they work to help keep every cell in your body healthy. This is very important to a youthful appearance because fine lines and wrinkles are commonly caused by free radicals. Continue reading here to find out more about how antioxidants work to protect your body from free radical damage.
Getting more antioxidants into your diet is easy, Check out the SkinnyMs. Slow Cooker Cookbook for tons of recipes filled with healthy, antioxidant-rich foods like this Green Tea Kiwi-Berry Smoothie.