Antioxidants are present in many foods; they are substances that produce a series of reactions in our bodies. They influence our physical appearance , especially our skin. It is important to take care of our diet so that these antioxidants can effectively combat free radicals.
When we talk about antioxidants, we always think about reducing premature skin aging; that's perhaps their greatest benefit. However, antioxidants can also take care of other aspects of our body . Discover what they can do.
First, we'll explain what free radicals are , so you can better understand how antioxidants work.
Radicales libres
Free radicals are unstable; they attack nearby molecules by stealing their electrons to become more stable. By attacking a molecule, they cause it to become a new free radical, and this process triggers a chain reaction that leads to cell death.
Although there are many studies on the subject, it is not yet confirmed that the consumption of antioxidants has miraculous effects on the body and prevents us from aging or ever suffering from cancer.
However, this does not mean that they are not beneficial for the body.
Main antioxidants
Below we tell you where we can find the best antioxidants , the sources and which foods they are.
- Lycopene: It is a powerful antioxidant that is present in tomatoes, watermelon, potato or blood orange. In our day to day, we find it in the tomato and its derivatives.
- Beta-carotene: It is found in orange-colored foods, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, squash, or mangoes. We can also increase the consumption of kale, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard or cabbages.
- Lutein: They are found in green leafy vegetables, such as those mentioned above, chard, spinach, kale, or even eggs.
- Selenium: It is a mineral that is part of some enzymes that have antioxidant activity. To take advantage of this you need to take more amount of rice and wheat, especially their whole versions. Meat is another great source of selenium, since it can be found in their muscles, take advantage of lean and white meats.
- Vitamin A: also known as retinol, the foods where we can find it in the egg yolk and in the liver.
- Vitamin C: one of the best known and proclaimed vitamins, abundant in a multitude of fruits and vegetables, consume oranges, lemons, kiwis, strawberries or tomatoes.
- Vitamin E: It is present in seed oils, such as sunflower, soy, corn, and a large number of nuts.
How to make antioxidant juices
As we mentioned earlier, antioxidants are substances that slow down the deterioration and wear and tear of the skin, organs, tissues, and muscles.
If we want to maintain a more youthful, elastic complexion , we should increase our intake of these substances that help slow down aging. They are great allies of beauty and health, combating cell degeneration and death caused by free radicals.
Pay attention because we're going to give you some ideas for delicious antioxidant smoothies that are great for your health, easy to make at home, and very tasty.
Carrot juice and green asparagus
This natural juice contains essential elements to keep our cells young, helps keep the skin soft and smooth , which translates into an elimination of impurities and cellulite.
Ingredients
- Carrots 4
- 10 green asparagus
- lemon juice
Music
- Peel and chop the carrots
- Chop the asparagus.
- Get the lemon juice.
- Put all the ingredients in the blender and process until obtaining a homogeneous juice.
Carrot, apple and primrose oil juice
Evening primrose oil can be obtained in herbal shops ; it combines very well with carrots since their beta-carotene enhances the properties of the oil's fatty acids.
Like most Omega-6 fatty acids , they are excellent for cell regeneration and healthy skin. They also contain vitamin E , one of the most beneficial vitamins for skin care.
To enhance its flavor, we will add apples to give it a sweeter touch.
Ingredients
- 4 apples
- Carrots 3
- 1 tablespoon primrose oil
Music
- We chop the apples and carrots.
- We liquefy them.
- We process the food for a few minutes.
- We add to the last the primrose oil.
- We remove to integrate it.
Strawberry and orange juice
This time we increased our intake of Vitamin C , one of the most powerful substances for creating collagen that the skin needs to look smooth and elastic.
Ingredients
- 7 fresas
- Orange juice
- 1 slice of pineapple (Optional)
Music
- Squeeze the orange and reserve the juice.
- Chop the strawberries and pineapple to make the smoothie easier.
- Add the ingredients to the blender glass and beat for a couple of minutes.
- Once processed, add the orange juice and finish mixing.
We can consume several glasses of these smoothies a day ; this will help to strengthen our antioxidant levels and improve the health of our skin.