The term antioxidant has been with us for some time.  While the term is thrown around quite often in regards to health and diet there are many people who don’t know exactly what an antioxidant is or how it is beneficial.

Antioxidants are a group of substances that react with free radicals in our bodies and make them harmless. Free radicals have unpaired electrons that can cause them to be highly reactive chemically. When present in the body they contribute to degenerative diseases and are believed to help speed up the aging process.

The idea that total elimination of free radicals will stop the aging process is not realistic.  There are a number of substances that can slow down these free radicals and help promote a healthier condition though. Some vitamins like A, C, E and B vitamins are antioxidants that can help blunt the onslaught of free radicals in the body. Zinc, manganese and amino acids can also do the trick. A good way to get antioxidants into your body is by improving your diet or taking dietary supplements.

There is a solid contributor to this fight against free radicals and that is the almond. This healthy natural snack can supply you with vitamin E and magnesium. Almonds also have potassium that can help ease the blood pressure. Combining almonds and almond snacks with other foods like green beans or whole grain baked goods can promote good health while giving you a more enjoyable meal.