We all want to live long, happy, and healthy lives. Studies show that what you eat has a bigger impact on longevity than any other factor. Foods that provide antioxidant boosts make one of the biggest impacts on your health. When it comes to foods with antioxidants, which ones should you prioritize? Which antioxidants will make the biggest difference? As part of senior living in Alpharetta, we encourage our residents to maintain a healthy diet. Keep reading to find out which antioxidants you should be taking and how you can include more in your diet.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that fight off the free radicals (harmful compounds) in your body. If levels of these free radicals become too high within your body, you may be at risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other health problems. Eating the right foods can increase the amounts of antioxidants in your body, and lead to a longer and healthier life.
The Best Antioxidants for Seniors
With all of the health information out there, it’s hard to know exactly what to focus on. Getting the benefits of antioxidants is as simple as knowing which foods to include in your daily diet. Here are some of the best antioxidants for senior health, and what foods you should be eating to get more of them. Note: you should always talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes.
Vitamin C
For a good boost of antioxidant power, be sure to add lots of vitamin C into your diet! This is a nutrient your body needs to strengthen your blood vessels, collagen in your bones, cartilage, and muscles. Vitamin C is also essential to your body’s healing process.
To boost the vitamin C in your diet, include more:
- Citrus fruits
- Berries
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Broccoli
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are an important source of antioxidants that can boost your immune system and protect you from diseases. These antioxidants are found in the pigments in the yellow, red, and orange fruits and vegetables that we eat.
To boost the carotenoids in your diet, include more:
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Mangoes
- Oranges
Vitamin E
Your body uses vitamin E for many different purposes, including protecting your cells from oxidative stress, maintaining healthy skin, and supporting your immune system. While you can get vitamin E from supplements, there are also foods you can eat that contain healthy levels of it.
To boost the vitamin E in your diet, include more:
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Peanuts and peanut butter
- Pumpkin
- Greens (beet greens, collard greens, spinach)
- Asparagus
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that protects against damage to your body’s cells. It may provide protection for your brain and may be helpful for people suffering from certain liver diseases.
To boost the ALA in your diet, include more:
- Flaxseeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Avocado
- Edamame
- Walnuts
- Oatmeal
Antioxidant Boosts for a Healthier Life
Antioxidant boosts can help you live a healthier and more vibrant life. And it’s as simple as including a variety of healthy foods in our diet. Whether you are looking for assisted living in Alpharetta, or memory care in Alpharetta, you should consider the Inspired Living community in Alpharetta. Our priority is to provide a welcoming, caring, and happy environment where our residents can live full, healthy lives. Contact us today for more information about our community.
