How Antioxidants Work

Antioxidants are known to fight against the free radicals that can cause harm to the body. They also help to reverse any negative effects of the normal process of oxidation in the body.

Types of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are classified as nutrients and enzymes. The nutrient antioxidants include:

- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin C
- Selenium.

Several antioxidant enzymes are formed by trace minerals, such as zinc and manganese.

How Many Antioxidants Do You Need?

It is not recommended that people use antioxidant supplements. So this means that we need to get them in our diet. Eating a variety of foods that contain these is the best course of action.

Those eating a varied and healthy diet are almost always getting enough antioxidants and do not have to worry. There is no set amount of antioxidants that we should be aiming for each day.

Thinking of becoming a nutritionist? Go to INST.org - Nutrition Courses for our distance learning course.

Eating Healthily on a Budget

A lot of people want to eat a healthy diet, but they think that it is not affordable. While some healthy foods are pricey, you can find plenty that will fit right within your budget. These foods allow you to make full meals, as well as have snacks. 

Go Local 

If you check out local farmers’ markets and other fruit and veg suppliers, you’ll often find healthy foods at a lower price. Plus, these tend to be grown locally. 

Buy Meat in Bulk 

Bulk meats, chicken and fish are always cheaper than small and individual packages. Then, when you return home from the shops, package the bulk meat into meal-sized portions so that they are ready to go when you need them. 

Go Generic 

Supermarket own label items are almost always the same as the expensive brand names, but they cost a lot less.

Things like brown rice, oatmeal and other healthy foods can be found in store brands.

Go Meatless Once a Week 

Choose a day each week to eat a meatless meal. Meat is usually the most expensive item on your plate, so skipping it just once a week can save some money. Go for a healthy pasta or an interesting vegetarian meal instead. 

Skip the Freezer Section 

While you can find healthy foods here and not all are expensive, the majority of frozen foods are overpriced. For example, you can make your own breaded fish at home for half the price and you control the ingredients, making it healthier. If you are getting local fruits and veggies for a good price, you will not need to worry about frozen ones. 

Tomorrow…

You’ll receive the next part of your ‘Becoming aNutritionist’ series of articles. We’ll be looking at the health benefits of ginger.

Thinking of becoming a nutritionist? Go to www.inst.org/nutrition-courses for our distance learning course.