Your skin is a window to your health. Hide as much as you wish with tons of makeup concealers, your skin could brutally speak out the state of your health at the moment. Topical lotions and serums can sure do their part, but sadly aging starts from inside.

What are antioxidants? 

Antioxidants a.k.a free radical scavengers are substances that can significantly slow down the process of cell damage by destroying free radicals. Free radicals are basically wastes produced at the cellular level during the process of digestion and assimilation. Free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species ( ROS ) can harm the body if not eliminated in a timely manner. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and slow down cell aging.

Still wondering why you should consume antioxidants? Here are a few benefits you simply cannot ignore :

1. Certain antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, zinc, and copper help safeguard the heart against cardiovascular diseases. They can even slash down the chances of stroke by 50%.
2. These also work well as natural forms of antidepressants when consumed in their bioavailable form. They can improve cognitive health by taking care of small blood vessels in the brain.
3. Intake of antioxidants foods can even help repair impaired vision. Supplements such as vitamin C and E have the ability to even reduce the progression of cataract over the years.
4. Vitamin A, C, and E, found in fruits and vegetables helps boost immunity, protecting us from many diseases.
5. Antioxidants are also known to maintain liver and kidney health.

6. They can do wonder for your skin. Consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as tomato and beetroot can help prevent and treat many skin conditions such as eczema, acne, dermatitis, inflammation, etc.
7. Our hair is constantly exposed to various environmental factors such as dirt, dust, heat, and humidity. They hold the first line of defense against free radicals. Intake of antioxidants can reduce hair damage giving you those tresses you have always dreamt of.

The list goes on and on. The bad news is, you simply cannot stop the damage from free radicals. But the good news is, antioxidants are found in abundance in nature. So let’s cut the chase to top 3 Antioxidant foods you should include in your diet to stay healthy & young :

1.  Berries:

   Berries, what’s not to like about them. They are tasty, pretty and healthy. These soft round balls of goodness are powerhouses of antioxidants. They are rich in vitamin C, E, fiber and polyphenols, usually considered as the king of antioxidants.

– Blueberries are stuffed with Vitamin K which protects your heart against many deadly diseases. They also reduce the risk of diabetes by managing insulin sensitivity of the body.

– Raspberries contain a high amount of ellagitannins, which greatly help in reducing oxidative stress. They also contain a hormone called leptin that makes you feel satiated for a long time.

– Goji Berries or wolfberries are rich in Vitamin A and Zeaxanthin that help in the maintenance of clear vision. Not to mention they support weight loss and can do some serious trimming to your waistline.

– Strawberries- have it in your bed or breakfast, they never fail you. Strawberries are very good for your heart and skin as well. They are a good source of vitamin C and even manage insulin levels in the body.

– Acai Berries are of Brazilian origin and are nearly ten times more powerful than blueberries in terms of antioxidant properties. They reduce oxidative stress in the body to a great extent and also manage cholesterol.

– Cranberry juice has multiple benefits. From reducing Urinary Tract Infections to reducing stiffness in arteries, cranberries have got it all covered.

Now we know why Disney Princesses spent all their time collecting berries from the forest.

2. Beetroot :
   
   Rich in polyphenols and betalains, beets have extraordinary healing benefits. They not only act as natural blood purifier but also help in maintaining blood pressure in our body. They have a high content of Vitamin C, zinc, copper and iron, promising you flawless skin and better immunity.

Let’s have a look at some benefits of beetroot :

– Beets contain lots and lots of betaine that prevent homocysteine build-up and take care of your cardiovascular health.

– Betalains found in beets help reduce oxidative stress and cleanse your body of harmful toxins.

– Thanks to the nitrates present in beetroot, they help in improving cognitive health as well.

– Beets are a dieter’s paradise. They have a low-calorie count and are rich in water content. So you are basically consuming pure antioxidants and fibers without putting on any weight.

– They also promote better digestion and improve athletic performance.

A glass of beet juice a day will save you at least a thousand bucks you spend on beauticians and makeup.

3. Nuts :

   Nuts are packed with polyphenols and can go to great lengths to reduce oxidative stress in the body resulting from free radical damage. Almonds, pistachios, peanuts, cashews, and pecans- these are a delicious treat for your taste buds and a boon for your stomach. Feeling snacky? Here are some nuts you should be including in your diet.

– Almonds

Almonds are not just tasty treats. They contain nutrients that can look after your heart health and even the risk of diabetes.

– Walnuts

Walnuts are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids and help in increasing ‘inferential reasoning’ by improving cognition.

– Cashews

Cashews contain a host of nutrients that can manage cholesterol. They are a rich source of vitamin E and also aid in treating metabolic syndromes.

-Peanuts

Peanuts are a member of the legume family and have some serious health benefits. They reduce the risk of getting type two diabetes, impart a glow to the skin and also help in maintaining cardiovascular.

-Brazilian Nuts

Brazilian Nuts are stuffed with selenium, a mineral that helps reduce oxidative stress prevents kidney diseases, maintains cholesterol levels and even work with inflammation.

Also, there are many health benefits of dark chocolate and they are yummy too. You can try varieties of dark chocolate.

Aging is a natural process and there is no way we can stop it. Topical creams and treatments that claim to reverse signs of ageing are not to be taken too seriously. You simply cannot reverse the clock. What we can do is to make sure we age gracefully and take our own sweet time. A handful of berries sounds a lot better than having 1000$ snails crawling all over your face. Which one would you prefer? The choice is yours.

Also, there are many health benefits of dark chocolate and they are yummy too. You can try varieties of dark chocolate.