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:

Essex Angel Capital Inc. Announces Wellness Indicators' Patent Application for Antioxidant Measurement Technology
WINDSOR, ONTARIO-- - Essex Angel Capital Inc. is pleased to announce that Wellness Indicators Inc. , one of the companies in the Essex portfolio, obtained the rights to a U.S. utility patent that was filed ...


New Studies Highlight Health Benefits of the Exceptional Cranberry
Recent results reported at Experimental Biology 2012 continue to build on the growing body of research on the cranberrys key role in total body health. For nearly three decades, many studies have confirmed the cranberrys urinary tract health benefits...


Diabetes Support Supplements, a new product from ProactiveLife contains ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID which may assist people .
ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID a fatty acid antioxidant may provide some relief for people experiencing peripheral neuropathyRancho Palos Verdes, CA (PRWEB) May 09, 2012 Diabetes Support contains alpha-lipoic acid and according to recent studies it may provide assistance for people experiencing peripheral neuropathy. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by the body and found in every cell. It assists in ...


Dietitians Dish: Give food an extra boost of antioxidants with spices - Victoria Advocate

Dietitians Dish: Give food an extra boost of antioxidants with spices
Victoria Advocate
Antioxidants are thought to protect the body from these harmful free radicals that can cause a wide range of problems anywhere from unwanted wrinkles to chronic diseases. Evidence shows that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants have a lower risk .

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April in pictures: Marky Mark and GNC, DMAA crackdown, antioxidant confusion, 7-keto, Moringa oleifera and the Dr Oz .
While DMAA dominated the headlines at the end of the month, there was plenty of excitement at the beginning of April with Schiffs $150m acquisition of Airborne, GNCs tie up with Mark Wahlberg, a sales explosion for 7-keto and a $500,000 fine for Bodybuilding.coms boss for selling supplements laced with steroids...


Leafy greens help prevent damage caused by a workout, study suggests
Researchers have found that antioxidant-rich leafy greens can alleviate the natural stress put on our body by a workout...


Antioxidants Up ICSI Success Rates
ICSI is far more successful when preceded by antioxidant supplementation to reduce DNA fragmentation...


Canadian Student Synthesizes Super-Charged Antioxidant Compound - Azom.com

Azom.com

Canadian Student Synthesizes Super-Charged Antioxidant Compound
Azom.com
By Gary Thomas Janelle Tam, a student from the Waterloo Collegiate Institute, has won the first prize in the 2012 Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada for her discovery of a disease-fighting, anti-oxidant compound utilizing nano-crystalline cellulose .
Student wins BioGENEius Challenge with nanoparticle anti-aging compoundNanowerk LLC
Canada Teen Discovers Anti-Aging Breakthrough Using NanoparticlesIndustryWeek

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DoctorsHealthPress.com Reports on Study Showing Specific Antioxidant Could Help Fight Wrinkles
The Doctors Health Press, a publisher of various natural health newsletters, books and reports, including the popular online Doctors Health Press e-Bulletin, is reporting on study that has shown astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that is part of the carotenoid family, could help protect the skin from signs of aging. ...


Acai Berry, Science Doesn't Support the Hype Says Natural Health Sherpa - SBWire (press release)

Acai Berry, Science Doesn't Support the Hype Says Natural Health Sherpa
SBWire (press release)
Natural Health Sherpa found out that acai berry does have some antioxidant benefits. However, compared to other juices and beverages in the market that contains antioxidants, acai berry is nowhere near the top of the list. In a study published in the .

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Scientists uncover 'dark side' of beta-carotene
Washington, May 3 (IANS) Consuming excessive amounts of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that imparts colour to carrots, sweet potatoes and certain greens, could be hazardous for health, says a study...


VitalMax Vitamins Announces Revagard, Their Groundbreaking Antioxidant Supplement That Promotes Health and Longevity
VitalMax Vitamins, a worldwide vitamin and supplement company, announces groundbreaking anti-aging research has uncovered that a substance extracted from grape skins called resveratrol has now been provided for daily consumption without the negative effects from drinking wine.Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 07, 2012 Vitalmax Vitamins states the natural antioxidants contained in Revagard have been ...


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