4 Natural Antioxidants to Tackle Air Pollution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Severe air pollution in several big cities including Jakarta is extremely worrying as it causes negative impacts on human health such as free radicals that have been linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes.

Other than wearing a respirator or face mask and lessening outdoor activities, there are also other means to be applied to ward off free radical attacks. One of them is by consuming natural antioxidants.

A nutrition specialist from Pondok Indah Hospital - Puri Indah, Raissa Edwina Djuanda, outlined several types of antioxidants and the sources:

1. Vitamin C

Lemon. Shutterstock

This water-soluble vitamin is believed to be able to boost the process of cell regeneration and is able to brighten the face. It is also the most powerful antioxidant for the human body. Mostly, vitamin C can be found in fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and kiwi.

2. Vitamin E

Almond oil. Shutterstock.com

Vitamin E, one of the fat-soluble vitamins, is the first line of defense against inflammation in our body tissues. Raissa recommended all to properly consume whole foods that are rich in vitamin E, such as oil, sunflower seeds, canola, peanuts, almonds, and olive oil. Salmon and eggs also contain high vitamin E and omega-3.

3. Beta-carotene

Carrots. Shutterstock.com

Fenugreek, lettuce, carrots, spinach, and other leafy vegetables are high in beta-carotene, which is believed to play a vital role in controlling inflammation caused by free radicals.

4. Omega-3

Fish oil. kizie.com

Omega-3 fatty acids, which often comes from fish oil, peanuts, and seeds, is also a powerful antioxidant to help reduce the health impacts of air pollution.

SARAH ERVINA DARA SIYAHAILATUA