Just like an apple that turns brown when exposed to air, our cells can “rust” when we breathe, which is a process caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage or “oxidize” cells in our the body, this is called oxidative stress. Over time, oxidative stress can leave our cells and tissues unable to function properly which can lead to degenerate diseases and also contributes to the aging process.
So what causes Oxidative stress?
- Eating too many calories, sugars & refined carbs
- Exercising too much or too little
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
- Exposure to air pollutants
- Excessive stress
- Ionizing radiation (like too much sun exposure, x-rays etc)
- Eating charbroiled foods
- Exposure to fungal toxins like mold
- Poor liver and gut detoxification
- Chronic infections
- Lack of sleep
Ways to reduce oxidative stress.
Obviously firstly try to combat the above points, by reducing sugar and processed carb intake. Don’t go ham on alcohol & cigarettes on the weekend and try to reduce your stress levels by meditating in the mornings or taking up yoga.
One of the most effective ways to reduce oxidative stress is by eating antioxidant rich foods. The measure of antioxidant activity is called ORAC (which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). The higher the ORAC level the more antioxidant power they have, and the more good they’ll do for oxidative stress.
The following foods are considered high antioxidant foods and could be beneficial to add into your diet.
(ORAC value is calculated per 100g)
