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


Antioxidants News:

Pistachios may reduce cancer risk, study shows (EARTHtimes.org)
Berlin - Eating pistachios daily may reduce the risk of lung and other cancers, according to a US study cited by the German Lung Foundation. The nuts are a rich source of gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E and, as such, an antioxidant. Antioxidant...


Red as in red hot (The Borneo Post)
SERIAN: Red rice may look unfamiliar to many of us, but this antioxidant-rich rice variety may well be the next niche product for Sarawak...


Concord Grape Juice Shown to Improve Nocturnal Blood Pressure (redOrbit)
CONCORD, Mass., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Welch's understands that heart health is a primary concern for busy moms and family members of all ages, and new research further supports the fact that grape juice made from Concord grapes can be a delicious part of a heart healthy diet...


EFSAs antioxidant rejections could be blessing in disguise (Nutraingredients.com)
Timber! The latest axe blow from EFSA has fallen, and this time it has taken one of the biggest trees in the nutrition forest: Antioxidants. But lets not mourn the loss of the tree; lets look forward to the new opportunities a clear view of the sky can give...


Antioxidant Supplements Guide
A key ingredient to improving your lifestyle and living a healthy life is antioxidants. There are several antioxidant supplements out there that can help you...


The Importance of Understanding Antioxidant Levels in Food | Paul .
Most people are already aware of antioxidants and what they have to offer us, but if you are not, here is some important information you are going to want to be...


Why a glass a day WILL keep the doctor away. (Daily Mail)
A study has shown that moderate women drinkers put on less weight than those who stick to soft drinks - and those who drank red wine put on the least weight...


Free Radicals Explained




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