There is lot of talk about the fitness benefits of
antioxidants in the news and in current health studies. And
while that might be attention-grabbing news, some of you may
be wondering what antioxidants are and what they accomplish.
Are there various types of antioxidants? How do we obtain a
sufficient amount of them in the food that we eat? And how
does eating a diet high in antioxidants strenghthen our
bodies capability to defend against free radicals?
Free radicals are disabled by the use of antioxidants. These
free radicals are reactive molecules that steal electrons
from our cells causing severe damage to them. We are in a
never ending battle with the free radicals,and their levels
increase when we are exposed to injury, pollution, illnesses,
and stress. Recent studies have also linked the free radicals
damage to accelerated aging and other health problems. In
order to protect ourselves we need to take more antioxidants
to fight off the increased exposure to the free radicals that we
encounter every day.
Beta-carotene and selenium, vitamins C and E, are examples
of powerful antioxidants. And since no single antioxidant
can defeat all the free radicals in the body, using them in
combinations increases their effectiveness. Although there
are several enzyme systems inside the body that scavenge
free radicals, the most beneficial ingredients are antioxidants.
The body cannot manufacture these nutrients so they must be supplied in the diet-and useful sources include vegetables,
fruits, and certain types of tea.
As an antioxidant, vitamin A protects cell membranes and
fatty tissue and it helps in repairing damage that has been
caused by polluted air,helps teeth and bone development, and
boosts our immune system.
Carotenoids are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables
such as carrots, pumpkins, kale, spinach, tomatoes, and pink
grapefruit. Carotenoids can lower thee risk of certain types
of cancer and heart disease.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which supports the
immune system and the cardiovascular system.Vitamin C is a
powerful antioxidant which supports the immune system and
the cardiovascular system. Good sources include citrus
fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach,
broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.
Good sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, fish oils,
whole grains, and apricots.Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant
by itself, but is magnified when it is taken with other
antioxidants such as selenium, beta carotene, and vitamin C.
Flavonoids enhance the beneficial activities of vitamin C
and can help support a healthy immune system. They are
primarily found in fruits and vegetables and some teas.
Flavonoids are a pigment in plants and fruits that acts as
an antioxidant to protect against damage from free radicals.
In the body, flavonoids enhance the beneficial activities of
vitamin C and can help support a healthy immune system.
