The Health Benefits of Antioxidants
Antioxidants have many positive effects on our health, including our oral health. Antioxidants boost the body's natural immune system, helping us fight infections and ward off disease. When it comes to oral health, a strong immune system can help reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral infections, which can lead to dental damage. When damage is present, restorative dentistry treatments can help restore dental function and get oral health back on track. So what exactly are antioxidants and how do they help keep us healthy? Discover the many health benefits of antioxidants in this overview from Redwood City, CA dentist Jean E. Barthman.
What Are Antioxidants?
Although oxygen is important for the health of our cells, oxygen causes oxidation within the body. Oxidation changes chemicals in the body into something called free radicals. As free radicals build up, they can cause changes to our cells and DNA, which many experts believe to be linked to the aging process and certain diseases, like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Antioxidants are one of our biggest weapons in the fight against free radicals. Antioxidants are naturally found in many foods and drinks, carried by vitamins like beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, and help stabilize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants do this by “grabbing” free radicals before they can attach to the cells. This helps prevent cellular damage and can help reverse some of the damage caused by oxidation and free radicals.
The Health Benefits of Antioxidants
Antioxidants provide many health benefits by keeping free radicals at bay, preventing cellular damage and reducing the risk of certain diseases, like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants also help boost the immune system, allowing the body to fight off infections. When it comes to oral health, a strong immune system can help reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral infections. Antioxidants, specifically those linked to vitamins E and C, help slow the aging process and may even help with memory loss.
Foods High in Antioxidants
You can add more antioxidants to your diet by changing the foods you eat. Many fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of natural antioxidants. When trying to boost your antioxidant intake, look for colorful fruits and vegetables (green, purple, orange, red, yellow, and blue); these tend to pack the highest antioxidant punch. In addition to fruits and vegetables, many grains, nuts, and seeds are a good source of antioxidants. Although there are many antioxidant supplements on the market, the best way to increase antioxidant levels in your body is by eating a mixed and varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other foods high in antioxidants. Some great sources of antioxidants include:
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Beans
- Asparagus
- Mangoes
- Strawberries
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Seafood
- Green tea
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Barthman
Good oral health depends on your overall health, but also proper dental care. We welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barthman for all of your dental care needs.