Although the importance of antioxidants can be heard more and more often, for many people this term still sounds like a vague spell. Generally speaking, these are materials that are important not only for our well-being, but also for beauty. They play an extremely important role in reducing the effects of free radicals on our cells. So what are the signals that we are lacking in antioxidants? How and where can we get them? Beauty specialist Indrė Visockienė talks about antioxidants and their influence on our health and appearance.
Reduces the risk of getting various diseases
For a person who has heard little about antioxidants, it is important to understand that they, like vitamins or minerals, support our health and help reduce the risk of developing various diseases.
"Antioxidants are natural or man-made substances that play a role in preventing cell damage. Antioxidants help protect healthy cells from free radical attacks. In doing so, they help maintain proper physiological function and protect your health. Antioxidants are considered an excellent tool to reduce the risk of developing various diseases, especially oncological ones. It is claimed that some of them stop the growth of cancer cells and stimulate the programmed death of cancer cells - apoptosis", says I. Visockienė.
Helps to slow down skin aging processes
The specialist adds that antioxidants are extremely important not only for our health, but also for our appearance. They are the ones that weaken the harmful effects of free radicals and slow down the aging process of the skin.
"Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage body cells. Our body can also produce small amounts of free radicals through natural biological processes. However, they are often caused by external sources such as tobacco smoke, toxins, pollutants and especially the sun. An excess of free radicals causes a process called oxidative stress. Oxidation consists of chemical reactions that damage our cells. When free radicals take over our body and cause oxidative stress, it can affect different layers of the skin. We can notice various irregularities: fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark spots and sagging skin. Simply put, we see the signs of skin aging. Normally, our body can fight this stress by using its own antioxidant defenses. Free radicals are a natural part of everyday life, so you'll never completely get rid of them - and that's okay! But you can reduce their effects by taking antioxidants - they help block oxidative stress," says the beauty specialist.
In the summer, they become even more important
According to I. Visockienė, a person can feel that he lacks antioxidants - this is revealed by several main signs.
"If fatigue has appeared, immunity has been disturbed, the skin has lost its purity, has become gray, dry and sensitive, this may signal that your body lacks antioxidants," the specialist claims.
- Visockienė warns that in the summer, when UV rays intensify even more, our antioxidant consumption habits should also change.
"UV rays not only promote premature aging, affect the appearance of pigmentation, reduce collagen and elastin in the skin, which is why we have sagging skin, but can also cause skin cancer. During the summer period, more antioxidants such as vitamin C, resveratrol or carotenoids should appear in our diet. Antioxidants will help protect skin cells from damage and aging and can contribute to a more beautiful skin texture and appearance. They fight sun damage, lighten the skin, moisturize it, stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation," says I. Visokienė about the importance of antioxidants.
True, the specialist reminds us that we should protect ourselves not only from the sun. I. Visockienė names stress, environmental pollution, improper diet, lack of vitamins, smoking, poor sleep and sugar as other main enemies of good health and great appearance.
Antioxidants can also be obtained naturally
According to the beauty expert, in order to get a sufficient amount of antioxidants, many resort to pills or other forms of supplements. However, it is important to remember that we can also get antioxidants in a natural way. They are abundant in various fruits, vegetables and berries.
"Fruits, berries and vegetables rich in antioxidants should be included in the daily diet. These include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and tangerines. To get the required amount of antioxidants, we should consume at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables. It's not easy to do, so I'm glad that today we already have a great and quick way to replenish the body with the right amount of antioxidants. These are " fruttberry " lyophilized mixtures of vegetable, fruit and berry powder that can be mixed with water, mixed into yogurt, a cocktail and thus get the required daily dose", says I. Visockienė.
The specialist adds that in order to enjoy glowing and healthy skin, one more important rule should also be kept in mind.
"Lack of sleep and rest affects not only a poor emotional state, but also the appearance of our skin. Therefore, do not forget to follow the rule - 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for work and 8 hours for rest", I. Visockienė reminds.