If you have taken on a vegan diet, this means that you consume food that doesn’t come from an animal-based product. There are many benefits to living a vegan lifestyle, but this lack of animal products can sometimes leave you short on certain nutrients. With a little bit of dietary planning and supplementation, you can still reap the benefits of eating vegan.

What Are Antioxidants, and How Do They Work?

The actual process of how an antioxidant works is pretty involved. However, the basic understanding of antioxidants can be understood from a molecular standpoint. Our universe is made of atoms, each with a core of protons and neutrons. Electrons also revolve around the core area. Two or more atoms are considered to be molecules. Our bodies contain DNA, which are large molecules joined together with atoms. When a bigger molecule in our body is broken down into smaller ones, this is the process called metabolism. When the body loses an electron within its molecule, it turns into a free radical. These free radicals can be extremely harmful to the body, causing cancer and disease. Antioxidants can provide electrons to the damaged molecule to neutralize it. ASEA explains that redox signaling molecules optimize antioxidant function, helping maximize health and wellness benefits.

Which Foods Contain the Most Antioxidants?

InnerSpark describes that there are many vegan foods that contain plenty of antioxidants. This can include foods like tomatoes, grapes, berries, dark chocolate, broccoli, artichokes, beans and walnuts. Basically, the more colorful a fruit or vegetable is, the more likely it is to have a high concentration of antioxidants. Buying these ingredients organic will increase their nutritional power. Organic products are free from pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. All of those chemicals can actually harm your body and require more antioxidants.

It’s Great to Be a Vegan

Organic Facts talks about how there are many health benefits associated with being vegan. This includes a reduced risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, arthritis, chronic inflammation, chronic pain and asthma. People who live a vegan lifestyle tend to have an easier time managing their weight and experiencing a higher level of energy each day.

Whether you're currently living as a vegan or you would like to take on this lifestyle, it is important that you understand the nutritional aspect. You want to reap all the benefits of being vegan, but you still want to make sure that you are getting all of the nutrients that your body needs in order to thrive.