 Free radicals are molecules that accumulate inside your body and wreak havoc on your health: as a matter of fact, studies have revealed that free radicals are responsible for several types of cancer, given the fact that they are very chemically reactive and they damage the good cells. In addition to pollution and free chemicals that can be found in the surrounding environment, tobacco smoke or radiations can also cause free radicals. The good news, however, is that you can prevent their negative effects on the body quickly and effortlessly. If you want to prevent DNA damage, to slow down the aging process and to lower the risk for cancer, then you should include the following foods in your diet: 1. Broccoli Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are very healthy: in the end, there is a reason why our parents insisted that we eat all our veggies when we were children! Broccoli is very rich in beta-carotene, lutein and Vitamin C, all these compounds being essential for the correct functioning of your immune system. Broccoli has anti-cancer properties, and it can also reduce the long-term risk for cardiovascular disease, if you consume it on a weekly basis. 2. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits may be bad for your teeth, given the fact that they are highly acidic, but they are certainly a great choice for fighting free radicals. It is known that grapes, oranges and lemons boost the immune function and fight cancer, given their high contents of flavonoids, Vitamin C and carotenoids. At the same time, citrus fruits also come in handy for those who suffer from bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), they relax the blood vessels and they prevent the blood from clotting. 3. All Foods That Contain Beta-Carotene Beta-carotene is considered to be one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, as it neutralizes free radicals quickly and efficiently. It is very easy to spot foods rich in beta carotene, as they have an orange color. Beta carotene also improves your body’s immune system, so make sure to increase your daily intake of carrots, peppers, mangoes as well as sweet potatoes. Basically, look for all the foods that are orange. However, if you want to benefit from beta carotene at its full potential, you will have to consume at least four daily servings. 4. Nuts And Grains Oatmeal, whole wheat grain, brown rice or nuts are also very good for preventing the effects of free radicals, given the fact that they are rich in Vitamin E which not only prevents these molecules from affecting your health, but it also neutralizes the molecules that have already affected you. Moreover, foods that contain high amounts of Vitamin E may also help you repair DNA damage. 5. Spinach Spinach is another important carotenoid with powerful antioxidant effects, as it contains both lutein and beta-carotene. Both of these compounds have strong anti-cancer properties, and they also have additional health benefits: they lower the risk for stroke and heart disease and they can also treat hypertension. 6. Garlic Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural anti-bacterial and antiviral agent, to treat common colds and infections. Garlic contains over 10 different antioxidants that fight off free radicals and prevent blood clots at the same time. Besides this, garlic also has some cognitive benefits as well, as it prevents memory loss in the long term. 7. Avocados Avocados can be easily distinguished by their buttery appearance, but few people know that these fruits are highly beneficial. Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats (perfect for lowering the levels of cholesterol and for keeping your heart healthy) and they also contain polyphenols and glutathione, two great compounds that prevent fats from oxidizing. In other words, if you consume avocado regularly you will not only prevent the effects of free radicals, but you will also neutralize the destructive fat in other foods. In addition to antioxidants, avocados are also rich in potassium, an essential compound that is vital for the protection of your blood cells. If you are concerned about the effects of free radicals and you want to do something about this, you basically have two options: you can either opt for synthetic antioxidants in the form of pills, or increase your intake of fruits and veggies with powerful antioxidant effects such as the ones mentioned above. -Healthier Foods-
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