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Antioxidants: The Body's Best Defense
May 2, 2007
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Free radicals everywhere. But what are they? What do they actually do to our bodies? How do we defend ourselves from them?
Antioxidants are natural compounds such as
vitamins
,
minerals, herbs, spices, and proteins that help protect the body
against cellular damage. This damage occurs as a result of free
radicals that are generated from metabolic processes, exposure to the
sun, pollutants in our environment, cigarette smoke, and toxic
household chemicals to name a few. Some believe that free radicals are
responsible for many degenerative diseases, like heart disease and
cancer.
Who is susceptible to free radicals and
oxidative processes? Pretty much anyone (or anything) exposed to oxygen
- even your car (rust is an 'oxidative' process, but Vitamin E won't do
much to preserve the family SUV). There are other forms of free
radicals that occur in the body, but the oxygen-sourced ones are the
most common.
It is impossible to limit exposure to free
radicals, but it is possible to fortify your body's defenses against
them. In Hippocrates' days, organic food was pretty abundant and likely
had much more of its antioxidant content intact. Today, many of our
fruits and vegetables are grown in 'tired' soils depleted from poor
crop rotation and exposed to agricultural pesticides and chemicals,
which could have a significant impact on their nutritional and
antioxidant content.
There are many different
antioxidants
and they come from a variety of sources. One of the reasons
nutritionists and dieticians recommend multiple servings of fruits and
vegetables daily is to obtain an abundance of nutrients, particularly
antioxidants. Green leafy vegetables and colorful fruits like
blueberries usually are rich sources.
So, what are the
antioxidants? Here is a brief list:
By choosing antioxidant-rich foods or supplementing to get those
missing from your diet, you provide your body with an arsenal to fight
against the destructive processes excessive free-radical production can
cause.
Studies have shown antioxidants to play an integral role in the
preservation of health and vitality. Among these benefits are:
- Nourish skin and texture
- Maintain strength and flexibility of blood vessel walls
- Detoxify liver of metals and pollutants
- Stimulate the immune system
- Promote cellular energy production
- Chelate toxic heavy metals
- Protect cardiovascular system
- Combine with substances to form other antioxidants
- Slow premature biological aging
- Promote growth of new liver cells
- Moderate allergic and inflammatory responses
- Promote activity of other antioxidants
- Prevent cataract development
- Slow rate of cell destruction
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce cholesterol
- Fight stresses effect on body
The evidence would appear to be clear. Bolster your body's first line of defense with potent
antioxidants and pave the way to a long and healthy life!
Disclaimer: Use as directed with a sensible nutrition and exercise program. Read all product labels and warnings thoroughly before use. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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