Healthy food, Diet
Health benefits and trend of antioxidant food
Feb
It was estimated in 2020 that the global food antioxidants market was valued at USD 1.3 billion and it was expected to reach a value of USD 1.8 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period.
What are the current trends?
There is an upward spike in the amount of packaged foods, including the ready-to-eat, bakery products, and processed meat that are being consumed, which is driving up trends in the food antioxidants market. Typically, consumers want healthy, convenient nutritional options that contain health-promoting antioxidants. Therefore, a diet high in antioxidants could reduce your risk of diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.
Regular consumption of antioxidants
It is believed that the consumption of antioxidants regularly is good for the body’s immune system and general well-being because they prevent the formation of free radicals, which causes oxidative damage to the body cells and other structures, including cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Typically, packaged food products will have a relatively short shelf-life and can go off quickly once opened and exposed to oxygen because this kick-starts the oxidation process, which then causes the deterioration in the quality of the food. To avoid this and prolong the shelf-life of packaged foods, antioxidants are being added as additives that prevent oxidation chances.
Health benefits food antioxidants.
The nutrient antioxidants vitamins A, C, and E, and the minerals copper, zinc, and selenium are found in certain foods, help neutralize free radicals and help prevent some of the damage they cause. Other non-nutrient antioxidants such as the phytochemicals in plants like lycopene in tomatoes and anthocyanins found in cranberries are believed to have more significant antioxidant effects than vitamins or minerals.
Worldwide research into the health benefits of antioxidants continues. One such study suggested that men who eat plenty of the antioxidant lycopene (found in tomatoes) might be less likely than other men to develop prostate cancer.
In another study, it was revealed that lutein, found in spinach and corn, is thought to reduce the risk of eye lens degeneration and associated vision loss in the elderly.
Sources of antioxidants – super-foods
Grapes, not only do they contain vitamin c and selenium, dark grapes in particular (blue – purple-red), are loaded with phytochemicals. These antioxidants are great for your immune system and can help protect you against cancer and heart disease.
Blueberries contain various vitamins and minerals known to strengthen the immune system and help protect cells from damage and lower inflammation. Phytochemicals in blueberries can also reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.
Red berries such as strawberries and raspberries contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that can help protect you against cancer.
Nuts, especially Brazil nuts that are high in selenium, and walnuts, which are high in omega-3, are some of the most balanced foods on the planet, offering “healthy” fats along with a smaller amount of protein and carbohydrate. Most nuts also contain phytochemicals, which help lower cholesterol.
Dark green vegetables, especially spinach, broccoli, and kale, are high in nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and A, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help fight disease.
Sweet potatoes and orange vegetables contain nutrients such as vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, fiber, and calcium.
Tea – contains many antioxidants that help fight inflammation and catechins, antioxidants that are thought to block cell damage that can lead to cancer. Green tea especially is believed to be a very potent antioxidant.
One dietary trend that could significantly improve your health
Make the switch to whole grains. For example, choose whole-grain bread over white bread, wild or brown rice instead of white rice, and corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Research suggests that people who eat at least one serving of whole grains a day lower their heart disease and stroke risk. This is because whole grains provide you with a dose of zinc and selenium, in addition to phytochemicals that are thought to help protect your body from heart disease and cancer.
- Beans are also thought to be packed full of antioxidants too:
- Green soybeans and soy provide vitamin C, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
- Lentils and black-eyed peas are rich in folate and zinc.
Black beans and kidney beans are full of folate.
Food Antioxidants and related topics market Trends
Food antioxidants are being increasingly used to improve the shelf life of products such as bakeries, confectionery, and snack products. Market trends suggest a growing awareness among consumers for healthier foods containing natural antioxidants.
-Healthy eating means finding the right balance – thus reducing what consumers perceive to be “bad” nutrients (e.g., sugar, sodium, or carbohydrates) while increasing what is thought of as “good” nutrients (e.g., fiber and protein).
-Functional foods are becoming more and more popular. High-protein, vegetable-rich foods, and super-foods are the most attractive option for most diners. With heart health, energy, weight management, and gut health being on most people’s minds.
-Research also suggests consumers want to eat foods that are sourced ethically and produced sustainably and are seen as an essential part of a growing food trend for four in 10 consumers.
Conclusion
Consumers want healthy, convenient nutritional options that contain health-promoting antioxidants, which when consumed regularly are thought to be good for the body’s immune system and a person’s general well-being.
Link & references if you want to see more details : marketsandmarkets.com, sciencedirect.com, mordorintelligence.com
