![\"Antioxidants](\"https:\/\/www.weight-loss-center.net\/weight-loss-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/08\/antioxidants-weight-loss.jpg\" "\\"Antioxidants")
Antioxidants remove free radicals from the body and help to improve metabolism and overall health. Berries are some of the most potent natural sources of antioxidants.<\/p><\/div>\n
What are Antioxidants?<\/strong><\/p>\n An antioxidant is a substance that reduces or prevents the process of oxidation by protecting the body\u2019s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron. Our bodies are exposed to free radicals all the time. Some of the external sources of free radicals are radiation (e.g., from sun exposure or X-rays), ozone and nitrous oxide, heavy metals (i.e., mercury, cadmium, lead), smoke, alcohol, saturated fats, and other chemicals and pollutants. Our bodies also produce free radicals by carrying out essential activities, such as energy production and immunity. Free radicals are produced by our bodies even more when we exercise.<\/p>\n Do Antioxidants Enhance Weight Loss?<\/strong><\/p>\n While it is clear antioxidants have a positive affect on our health and help to protect our cells, they do not directly themselves help you to lose weight. The role of antioxidants play in weight loss is that they provide the body with the nutritional support it needs to keep it strong and energized during the fat burning process.<\/p>\n How Our Bodies Burn Fat<\/strong><\/p>\n To understand how antioxidants can help the weight loss process, you need to take a closer look at what occurs when we lose fat. While most people tend to look at fat as their enemy when they are overweight, it is imperative that you realize fat is necessary for our health. There are two types of fat:<\/p>\n 1. Essential fat \u2013 necessary for many body functions including reproduction. The fat in our bodies is stored in our adipose tissue. This tissue contains lipids that are needed to transform nutrients into energy. Fat cells have many functions and one of them is to store toxins that are released throughout the digestive process. Thus, when you reduce the fat in your body, the amount of toxins in your body increases and this can result in some negative side effects. For instance, the extra toxins often affect the liver, causing it to work overtime to process and remove them. Moreover, when fat molecules are broken down, a process called oxidation, they release free radicals, which can result in cell, protein and DNA damage.<\/p>\n Oxidation occurs when free radicals (unstable atoms) attack cells to re-stabilize themselves. The re-stabilized atoms release more free radicals and the process continues like a chain reaction throughout the body until the free radicals are stopped. The body will create its own antioxidants to help stop the reaction, but often there is not enough, which is why ingesting foods or supplements rich in antioxidants can be beneficial to keeping your body strong during the fat-burning process.<\/p>\n Antioxidants Provide Nutritional Support<\/strong><\/p>\n Thus, when you lose weight, you are not only shedding excess fat, you are also losing some of the nutrients in your body that are needed to maintain good health. Also, if you are exercising as part of your healthy weight loss program then your body will be creating even higher levels of toxic by-products. Therefore, antioxidants can help provide your body with the nutritional support it requires during the oxidation process, reducing the stress on your body and keeping energy levels and metabolism as high as possible.<\/p>\n It is important to keep in mind that the actual amount of weight loss that can be associated with taking antioxidants is still unknown. Likely, this amount fluctuates between individuals and the sources of the antioxidants you consume. From a health perspective, I tend to consume all of my antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, particularly berries. I choose these sources over taking pills because these natural sources also tend to be high in fiber, which is good for digestive health.<\/p>\n Sources of Antioxidants<\/strong><\/p>\n Antioxidants can be found in specific vitamins and minerals and are in a variety of food sources, especially certain fruits and vegetables. They are also available in supplement form. Try adding a few of these antioxidant foods to your diet every day: cherries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, currants, pomegranate, grapes, oranges, plums, pineapple, kiwi fruits, grapefruits, apricots, prunes, dates, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, kale, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichoke, brussels sprouts, spinach, lemon, ginger, beets, broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans, barley, millet, oats, corn, cloves, cinnamon and oregano.<\/p>\n Other Related Posts and Articles You May Find Interesting: “Resveratrol Weight Loss Supplements Review<\/a>“, “Weight Loss with Maqui Berry<\/a>“, “Acai Berry Health Benefits<\/a>“, and “Best Foods for Weight Loss<\/a>“.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Losing weight can be a difficult process. Nevertheless, there are certain things you can include in your weight loss program that can help make the process a little easier and faster, such as providing your body with antioxidants. <\/p>\n
\n2. Storage fat \u2013 Essential for protecting some of the body\u2019s organs.<\/p>\n