Antioxidants
Antioxidant benefits are common health topic. If you keep up with the news or read health related magazines it's likely you're already aware that antioxidants are good for you. What you may not know is how they work and how to incorporate them into your diet. To understand the function of antioxidants it is helpful to first understand free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that have an oxidizing effect on the body. These molecules can damage healthy cells and are thought to have a link to certain diseases like cancer, heart disease and even cataracts. The oxidation caused by free radicals can be compared to how rust damages metal.
Unfortunately it is impossible to avoid free radicals. They are produced by normal chemical processes in the body. They can be produced by aerobic exercise, sun exposure, stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, pollution and many other sources. In some ways, free radicals can actually be helpful because they don't just damage healthy cells, they damage harmful germs as well. Free radicals in the body is a totally natural thing, but can be harmful when the level of free radicals gets out of control. Too many free radicals in the body can lead to cell damage which is what you want to avoid.
Antioxidants bind together with the free radical molecules, neutralizing them and reducing their harmful effects on healthy cells. In addition to rendering free radicals harmless, antioxidants can even assist in the repair of cells that have already been damaged. So, antioxidants serve two purposes. They neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and they help repair sustained damage. Everyone needs antioxidants in their diet, unfortunately not everyone gets enough on a daily basis. Although the body does produce certain antioxidants naturally it is imperative to also consume antioxidant rich foods and beverages. You may also want to consider a supplement if you do not consume enough of these foods and beverages.
Antioxidant benefits can be obtained by consuming lots of produce. Broccoli, red peppers, carrots, kale, oranges and berries are just a few fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Other sources include coffee and tea. White tea is the least processed type of tea which means it has the most antioxidants, with green tea coming in second. You can even get antioxidants from dark chocolate and red wine, when consumed in strict moderation. Now that you know the benefits of antioxidants, you may want to adjust your diet to make sure you are getting enough of them.
Free Radicals & Antioxidants
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Importance of Antioxidants for body To understand what an antioxidant is, we must understand the meaning of the two following terms first:- FREE RADICAL: The outer shell of this atom or molecule contains a singular electron in. Interesting to know more? ... | |
aLIVE! with life's goodness in a cup (The Sun) "Each product under the aLIVE range has been carefully chosen and then combined to give consumers the right combination of wellness benefits without compromising on taste.EUR.. | |
RBC Life Sciences Wins Top Award for its Antioxidant Product . - MarketWatch
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New Research Shows Specific Antioxidant, Found in Cherries, May . - PR Newswire (press release)
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Taking your vitamins? Well, they might not work - Edmonton Journal Two hugely popular vitamins don't prevent cancer, nearly 10 years of testing on thousands of doctors shows. In the latest antioxidant letdown, researchers who followed nearly 15,000 male physicians found no evidence vitamin E or vitamin C supplements ... | |
A Kernel of Truth: New Study Reveals Health Benefits of Corn Products (Carlisle Independent) (ARA) - For generations, children have been told to eat their carrots because it was good for their eyes. A new study may have moms saying the same about corn bread, corn flakes and other breakfast cereals... | |
Vitamin E & Vitamin C: No Impact on Cardiovascular Disease Risk; Does . The information in this column is intended forA informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or recommendations by the author.A Please consult with your physician before making any ... | |
Croc deaths: Pollution blamed South Africa's leading researchers, scientists, conservationists and wildlife pathologists have united to save crocodiles after a massive die-off in the Kruger National park's Olifants gorge, SANParks said on ... | |
Free Radicals Explained
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