What You Need to Know About Antioxidants and Ambrosia Apples

You’ve probably heard the term ‘antioxidants’ and you probably know that they play a role in keeping you healthy. But, do you really understand why? Or, how to get enough of them?

Let’s break it down and look at what antioxidants have to do with Ambrosia apples.

Antioxidants are chemicals that help control the level of free radicals in the body. We want to control the level of free radicals in the body because research shows that free radicals can contribute to the development of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Research suggests that the more free radicals a body has, the higher the risk of developing disease in that body. Free radicals may also contribute to the aging process.

We get exposed to free radicals naturally which is why the body has a process for fighting them. However, in our modern society we are exposed to so many free radicals. For example, we encounter them through environmental toxins (like pollution) or through some processed foods. So, how do we help the body get rid of them when we are exposed to so many?

Imagine that free radicals are the bad guys and the antioxidants are the superheroes. The more bad guys we have, the more superheroes we need to keep them in check.

Antioxidants are found in a variety of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. It’s recommended that antioxidants should come from whole-food sources rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals because they will be more naturally balanced. And, it goes without saying that the best way to get them is by eating food you love. Fighting off free radicals doesn’t have to feel like a Herculean effort – it can be quite satisfying and tasty.

Ambrosia apples are rich in antioxidants. Not only do they have vitamins C and A but they’re also packed with flavonoids and other phytochemicals like Quercetin. This makes apples a powerful antioxidant source – much more powerful than the sum of the individual vitamins and nutrients.

Studies have found that apples, in particular, have very strong antioxidant activity. But, scientist warn, these antioxidants can be compromised during processing. Therefore, eating a fresh, raw apple is the best way to get the most antioxidants out of the apple.

An Ambrosia apple is a great option. It’s a delicious fresh apple that is slow to brown (meaning you can cut it up and take it for a snack without the fear of it turning on you before you get to it), crispy to bite into, and has a perfectly honeyed flavour. Getting your antioxidants by eating Ambrosia apples everyday is one health habit that’s a joy to adopt.

Maybe we should consider changing that old adage up a bit. How about, ‘an Ambrosia apple a day keeps the free radicals at bay.’?