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How To Strengthen The Immune System With Antioxidants
Stress, an inactive lifestyle and a diet lacking in fresh fruits and veggies can weaken our immune system. Let's find out how to increase our immunity by including antioxidant rich foods in our diet…
There are many factors that affect our immune system. Stress, an unbalanced diet, a hectic lifestyle, and on the other end of the spectrum, a sedentary lifestyle, can put strain on the whole body, weakening our natural defences. These unhealthy habits are common in today’s society, and often leave us prone to burnout and sickness.
When the body is under stress, it may be worth looking at whether we are getting enough antioxidants in our diet. These substances, which include enzymes, vitamins, pigments and other types of molecules, have come to the fore recently because they are able to fight oxidative stress: a natural process of aging and degradation of our body’s cells, that is greatly accelerated by our common bad habits.
Alcohol, tobacco, medication, pollution and an inactive lifestyle can greatly increase the number of free radicals in our body. These unstable molecules literally steal an electron from nearby atoms, triggering a chain reaction that oxidises our cells, accelerating their death. An organism weakened by prolonged and intense oxidative stress is less able to defend itself from external attacks.
The immune system is our barrier against bacteria, viruses, trauma and chemical and biological agents of various kinds. These threats come both from the outside, as in the case of pollutants or viruses, and from the inside, as in the case of damaged tissues or cancer cells.
An organism subjected to prolonged stress is much less unable to protect it from threats to its health. Our body naturally produces different types of antioxidants, but these may not be enough to help us during a health crisis.
Changes in the season and sudden temperature fluctuations put a strain on the body's defences. Likewise, changes in nutrition, problems with sleep, periods of anxiety and intense work can create various risks to our health.
The antioxidants that we introduce through nutrition are crucial to help our immune system to function at its best. These substances, which we find in many natural foods such as algae, berries, green tea, and dark chocolate, can help us to combat damage caused by free radicals, slowing the oxidation of tissues and even the aging process.
Scientific research has shown that regular intake of antioxidants can help prevent oxidative stress damage. But antioxidants are also able to promote and improve the function of our immune system cells. It is therefore essential to consume enough antioxidant rich foods in our diet.
Superfoods are natural foods rich in nutrients, micronutrients and health benefits. The regular intake of antioxidants can be obtained by consuming healthy and practical foods such as Spirulina and Chlorella, Acai berry powder, Matcha green tea or Wheatgrass powder.
Spirulina: is the most famous edible green algae, and it is also one of the most nutritionally rich foods on the planet! Rich in iron, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it is perfect for strengthening the immune system.
Chlorella: is the richest source of chlorophyll, one of the most powerful antioxidants that nature has created for us.
Acai Powder: this Amazon berry stands out above all other fruits, due to its high antioxidant content. A real health bomb to improve your immune defences.
Matcha Powder: is a green tea that contains the highest level of antioxidants. It is finely milled into powder form which allows us to efficiently absorb its nutritional properties. The perfect hot drink to our defensive barriers.
Wheatgrass Powder: Wheatgrass is the young shoot of the common wheat plant. Amazingly, it is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. It is harvested before it can develop gluten and is therefore suitable for coeliacs and those who are wheat intolerant.
