Thursday, March 4, 2010

Antioxidants for Improved Health

Many people these days take antioxidants to counter the detrimental effects of free radicals. Although there is no conclusive proof that antioxidants stop skin from aging, experts do agree they have the ability to 'capture' free radicals and may protect us from certain diseases.
There are a variety of different "superfoods" which provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, energy enhancers, macro minerals, lipotropic factors, and other key nutrients which have been known to help minimise free radical formation and supports optimal heart, brain and immune functioning.

In light of the role free radicals play in the onset of aging and disease, it is important to ensure our diets include a rich and diverse supply of antioxidants to improve the health of our cells throughout our bodies and to protect our cells from the ravages of oxidation.


Many of the best tasting fruits are high in antioxidants. Watermelon, for instance, has one of the best ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) ratings of any fruit out there. Berries in general are among the foods which are the most antioxidant-dense.

While health conscious people now know what an antioxidant supplement is, and how it protects cells in the body from becoming the victim of widespread free radical damage, many of us still don't realise that there are wide variations in the potency of antioxidants. Both red wine and grape juice are known to have a relatively high antioxidant value.

An antioxidant is a chemical that reduces the amount of oxidation in your body.  Oxidative stress is being shown to be at the root of disease and aging.

As we age, free radical levels rise and yet the body fails in producing necessary amounts of antioxidants to meet this challenge. Today, a great deal of experimental evidence supports the premise that length of life is determined by the crucial balance of antioxidants with free radicals in the body. If you find it difficult to consume an abundance of antioxidants from the recommended food groups, then taking daily supplements can help solve the problem.

Not all fruits are created equal. Some fruits have more antioxidant content than others. While one fruit may have nutrients with antioxidant properties, others may only have vitamins. But whatever the case, it is clear that the antioxidants in fruit are good for your health. Cranberries, Strawberries, Cherries and Raspberries have a particularly high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) Value.

Without a doubt antioxidants are a vital tool in our fight against diseases, we all agree that sometimes eating the right thing is difficult but when compared with the pain and suffering that we could bring to ourselves in cancer, arthritis or arteriosclerosis, a bowl of salad and an orange seems like a very tasty choice.  And for those of you who struggle to get your RDI (recommended daily intake) through fresh fruit and vegies, supplements may be the way to go.

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