Powerful Antioxidants Aren’t Always Where You’d Expect

Antioxidant is a bit of a buzzword. It’s typically reserved for colorful, some might say “exotic” fruits and vegetables, red wine, and even dark chocolate.

But sometimes, these valuable nutrients aren’t where you’d expect.

For example, one of the most important antioxidants in your body is Coenzyme Q10. It plays a significant role in cellular energy and health, but it doesn’t really come from fruit and vegetables.

You actually produce CoQ10 on your own. It could be strange to think about, but this highly powerful antioxidant that protects and fuels cells, which may also serve several other benefits, is a product of your creation.

But your ability to produce CoQ10 at adequate levels might decrease with age. This may ultimately enhance aging and contribute to immune system weakness and a host of other conditions.

Eating or supplementing with CoQ10, therefore, may help. But you won’t necessarily find it in fruits and veggies. Instead, the best source of dietary CoQ10 is oily fish like salmon and tuna, organ meats, and whole grains.

Because of CoQ10’s antioxidant capabilities, it may help neutralize free radicals to protect your cells while also acting as a valuable source of energy to keep them functional. In turn, this may help boost immunity and slow aging.

Proper nutrition and a diet high in antioxidants is an essential part of promoting healthy aging. There are no dietary guidelines for antioxidant consumption like other vitamins and minerals, so you have to go by feel.

When you’re eating a balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, whole grains, high-quality proteins, and fats, you’re likely getting a sufficient amount of antioxidants. Go for color and other foods that you know are nutrient-dense, and you should be just fine!