Article Views:
186
Ezine ready page
Ezine ready page
Posted on October 15, 2008 by Kevin Agrawal | Posted under Supplements
Sources of Antioxidants - Dietary and Supplements
|
But what exactly are antioxidants and how do they work? To understand this we first need to understand the root word: oxidants. Oxidants are substances that are created by the body during the normal physiological process at the level of cellular functioning. Old cells die, and are replaced by new cells through chemical molecular activity, known as oxidation. Oxygen is released from the cell to combine with other elements, thus leaving behind unstable molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are chemically active atoms because these molecules have unpaired electrons and thus are charged due to extra or deficient electrons. Free radicals are highly unstable and are on the lookout either to take electrons or give up electrons in order to remain stable. In the process they damage cells, proteins and the genetic material (DNA) in the cell. This can lead to cell dysfunction which can possibly lead to heart disease and diabetes. Antioxidants are substances (nutrients and enzymes) which help in counteracting the damage that takes place during cellular oxidation. They help control and repair the damage done. In short, they help neutralize free radicals. The effectiveness of the antioxidant depends on the type of free radical. Doctors recommend a healthy diet which is also rich in antioxidants along with daily exercise. The All-American Diet A right balance of antioxidants in the body will normally counteract the damage done by oxidation. However, pollution, alcohol and tobacco intake are contributive factors to increasing free radicals. Our diet and lifestyle too add to increasing free radical activity. Statistics show that Americans get one-third of their daily calorie intake from junk foods like soft drinks, sweets, desserts, alcoholic beverages, salty snacks and other food containing unsaturated fats. Even the popular American diet consisting of iceberg lettuce, French fries, burgers do not have a sufficient amount of antioxidants to combat the damage to our cells due to free radicals. Because of the increase in free radical activity in our bodies, scientists believe we are potentially more at risk to cancer, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, immune dysfunction, cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as accelerated ageing. Sources of Antioxidants Natural sources of antioxidants include foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, beta carotene, trace elements like selenium, zinc and manganese required in very small amounts by the body. Our bodies need a mix of these vitamins and minerals to gain the optimum level of antioxidants. Natural sources of vitamin A are found in Liver, dairy products, fish. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, seeds, olives, avocado, wheat germ, liver, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Beta carotene is found in cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya, pumpkin, peppers, spinach, kale, squash, sweet potatoes, and apricots. Selenium is found in seafood, chicken, Brazil nuts, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is advisable to gain an optimum level of antioxidants. Natural sources of antioxidants are the best. But if for any reason these cannot be consumed in its natural form, vitamin supplements and nutritional supplements are advised. Superfoods like Ruby reds and Royal Greens Ultra are rich in antioxidants, and are chemically free. Doctors keep telling us that the great American diet is slowly killing us. To a large extent the saying is true: our bodies are what we eat. But we can change; we can make a difference in our family and for our family. The more we eat healthy food the more we gain an appetite for it. Conversely, the more junk food we eat the more we develop a taste for it. We need to choose right, each time we choose. About The Author: New Vitality is a health supplements company. It develops supplement products which are carefully formulated under the guidance of an elite panel comprised of renowned doctors, nutritionists, chemists and researchers. Whether you want a nutritional supplement, pet health supplement, a personal care product or a health care product, New Vitality is a one-stop shop for all needs. |
Tags: ANTIOXIDANTS, VITAMINS, MINERALS, VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS, NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS, RUBY REDS, ROYAL GREENS ULTRA, DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
