We eagerly await the arrival of summer, taking advantage of the good weather to travel, go to the beach, the swimming pool or have a barbecue at the weekend. As a result, we are more exposed to the sun and excess free radicals, which can cause serious damage to the skin in the form of spots, hyperpigmentation and premature ageing. To help deal with this problem, experts recommend consuming antioxidants.
They help maintain firmer skin, reduce wrinkles and expression lines, and are also responsible for stimulating blood flow, favouring cell multiplication. In order to do this, it's essential to take in these substances by consuming colourful fruit and vegetables in your meals - yellow and orange foods, for example, are rich in vitamins A and C. We can also get a considerable dose of antioxidants by taking supplements such as Azora AsthaxanthinThis is an effective weapon in the fight against excess free radicals.
The importance of antioxidants
Important all year round, antioxidants in summer are the perfect complement to sunscreen. These compounds are natural agents that protect our cells and tissues.
Present in countless foods, they play an essential role in our health through food, preventing the development of serious diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes, neurodegenerative processes and the immune system, as well as having great relevance for the beauty and health of the skin.
How do antioxidants work?
Firstly, they have a preventative function, preventing the formation of free radicals. They also intercept oxidised radicals that have already formed and stop them from multiplying. If cell damage occurs even after removal, the antioxidant defence system regenerates the damage caused by oxidation. If it is impossible to reverse the problem because the molecules are too damaged, antioxidants can get rid of the toxins.
What to eat this summer?
There are a wide variety of foods that help fight free radicals, among the most important are:
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, mango, blackberries, kiwi, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.
Vitamin E: Vegetable oils such as sunflower or wheat germ, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, avocados, potatoes, cabbage and fish.
Minerals: Zinc (red meat, poultry and some shellfish), selenium (nuts, eggs, grapes and bananas), copper (shellfish, fish, liver, eggs and spices), manganese (nuts, grains, legumes and green leafy vegetables) and iron (spinach, shellfish, legumes, meat or dark chocolate).
Polyphenols: wine, chocolate, olives, green tea.
Flavonoids: red fruits, onions.
Carotenoids: orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables.
Benefits of astaxanthin
As we commented earlier benefits of astaxanthin for the body are countless and during the summer, their consumption boosts the immune system, as well as fighting free radicals and helping to slow down the ageing process. Consuming them properly, along with a balanced diet, contributes to a healthier life.