|
|
|
|
|
Protect and Improve Your Health With Antioxidants
Every minute of every day the cells of our bodies are assaulted by particles called oxygen free radicals, also called oxidants. We can't escape free radicals because our cells produce them during normal metabolism. Additionally, our every day environment contains an abundance of free radicals.
Unfortunately these radicals produce chain reactions that lead to damage of the DNA in our cells. The aging of our cells is partly the result of free radical damage, also called oxidation.
Fortunately there are some simple steps that we can take to minimize the damage and to promote and prolong the health of our cells.
Oxidation
Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron. They are chemically active and can be thought of as scavengers. They easily bond with the molecules of our cells in a process called oxidation.
We are familiar with the normal oxidation process of metals such as iron. Iron oxide is called rust, and we know that rust can deteriorate the quality of the metal. Other metals also can exhibit oxidation which we generally call corrosion. We normally take steps to prevent the corrosion of metals.
Damage to our cells caused by oxidation is often called inflammation. And we can take steps to protect ourselves from cellular oxidation.
Antioxidants
There are numerous chemical compounds that will neutralize the effects of oxidation. An antioxidant will bond with the free radical, creating a stable molecule, and prevent the radical from causing oxidation of the cell. This new molecule can then be removed during normal bodily processes.
The best known antioxidants are the nutrients, vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium. Numerous other vitamins, minerals, and enzymes perform important protective antioxidant functions.
Many of these substances, most notably the above mentioned vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium, cannot be produced by our cells but must be ingested through the foods we eat or the supplements we take.
The American Heart Association teaches us that atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, is caused by fatty buildups in our arteries. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a large factor in the buildup of these fatty deposits. According to the AHA, vitamin E is the best of the naturally occurring antioxidants for providing protection against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Vitamin C is probably the most potent general free radical fighter. Its antioxidant properties are used by nearly every cell of the body. Vitamin C is a very strong immune system booster.
Here's an interesting item from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. A study investigated the effects of various cooking methods on broccoli. It concluded that microwave cooking depleted 97 per cent of the broccoli's flavonoids, a major antioxidant. By contrast, steaming the broccoli depleted only 11 per cent of the same antioxidants.
How prevalent is microwave cooking in the kitchens of our homes? Dr Cristina Garcia-Viguera, co-author of the study, concluded that it is best "to cook vegetables in the minimum amount of water in order to retain their nutritional benefits."
What To Do
To improve the health of our cells throughout our bodies, to protect our cells from the ravages of oxidation, it is essential to include a rich supply of important antioxidants in our daily diet. Two to four servings from the fruit group and three to five servings from the vegetable group daily are recommended.
If you find it difficult to consume an abundance of antioxidants from the recommended food groups, then taking daily supplements should solve the problem. Find easily digestible tablet or gel capsules from major companies or substitute good liquid supplements as a convenient and good-tasting alternative. As always, consult a physician before beginning a major new program. ***************************** Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of Anchorage-Homes.com and TheDatingAdvisor.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
Supplements - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Nutrition Supplements for Aging Americans While America has given birth to the song "Young at Heart", and the phrase "you're as young as you feel!" can be heard from coast to coast by millions of people, demographic trend point firmly toward the other direction: aging.Currently, the 65+ population comprises slightly more than 12% (35 million) of the total US population. Do You Need Vitamins On A Low Carb Diet? Should I Take Vitamins With My Low Carb Diet?Most low carb diets advocate that users reduce consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While this may lead to considerable weight-loss, it will most definitely lead to a reduction in necessary stores of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. Coral Calcium: The Preferred Source of Absorbable Calcium Coral Calcium is an excellent source of readily accessible and absorbable calcium in the body. Superior 100% pure fossilized, coral calcium is harvested from above ground, meaning that no harm is done to any living coral. Take Back Your Life 4 In parts one, two and three of this series, titled "Take Back Your Life", "Take Back Your Life 2" and "Take Back Your Life 3; we discussed the importance of proper cell function, the necessity of having and maintaining a balanced endocrine system, and the role of vitamins and minerals, including certain trace minerals as they relate to wellness. Here in part 4, we shall examine the antioxidant phenomenon and its indispensable part in furthering your efforts to maintain a state of wellness and optimum health. Vitamin C - The Most Common Health Food Supplement Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons in 1932. The C in this very important vitamin is debatable and may stand for citrus, cold, or collagen for the following reasons. Immune System Supplement Your Immune system Needs BalanceTaking an immune system supplement daily is very important. However most of us don't do it until we get sick or don't feel good. Are Bodybuilding Supplements Really Necessary? Bodybuilding supplements generally fall under the classification of dietary supplements, therefore they are not regulated by the FDA. There is absolutely nothing guaranteeing the purity of body building supplements, or the safety of using them. Vitamins - Childrens and Multivitamins Most parents' think their children are eating a fairly healthy and if not they throw their hands up in the air and give up. They then ply their children with multivitamins. Body Calling: The Healthiest Women in the World In September 2004 Orange County, California published an article "OC Women are the Healthiest Women in the world." Location Location. GlutImmune: Powder for Immunity and Digestion GlutImmune? is a very convenient high absorption source of glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid that allows for improved immune system and brain function, balanced blood sugar levels, digestive tract health, and increased muscle mass. Kanhaiya Amla Powder AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS ) FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTYAMLA, proudly known as 'Indian Gooseberry' has been the key constituent of many Ayurvedic formulations. And nowadays, it has been accepted by almost all medical branches as a result of extensive research carried at Germany, England, India, and various other countries. The Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 has exploded onto the health scene. This powerful mineral has many health saving properties. Bodybuilding Supplements May Not Be Necessary To supplement or not to supplement - that is the question on more bodybuilder's lips than ever before. Are they safe? What works and what doesn't?Lets have a look at the basics. Should You Take Gingko Biloba to Improve Your Brain Power? Have you heard of the herbal supplement with the very odd name of gingko biloba?In the last few years, gingko biloba has become one of the most heavily advertised herbal products in health food stores and magazines. It seems that gingko is being advertised everywhere, as a new miracle cure for many common ailments. The Secrets of Looking and Feeling Younger and HGH Supplements The mankind has never stopped searching for the scerets of youth ever since the dawn of intelligence. The tales date back to at least the time of the Alexander Romance in the West. 4 Answers To Living Life On Lifes Terms 1. What supplements do you take?A multivitamin, Glucosamine-MSM-Chondroitin, Odorless Garlic, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Glutamine, Alpha Lipoic Acid and B Complex - extra B-12. Garlic Can Kill Superbug - A Health Supplement The Superbug MRSA which is becoming more common in Hospitals, it has now developed a lethal strain, that has already killed a number of patients.Doctor Ron Cutler, a microbiologist at the University of East London, in the United Kingdom, says that Allicin, which is a completely natural extract from Garlic, has shown remarkable success on patients with MRSA. L-Carnitine For Health & Muscle Growth: What You Need To Know About L-Carnitine L-carnitine is a nutritional supplement that has been touted by body builders and other athletes as a safe and helpful way to create bigger and more efficient muscles. Some physicians and researchers have looked at L-carnitine to prevent muscle wasting in people who need kidney dialysis; alternative medicine purveyors suggest that L-carnitine may stop cellular aging. Vitamin E - Just the Facts, Ma'am It is important to understand that we are ultimately responsible for our own well-being and should do whatever is necessary to maintain our health and assist our bodies in resisting and fighting disease. Since health practitioners agree that vitamins are essential for life and health, we must ensure that we receive adequate amounts for our bodies to function properly and to protect us from illnesses. Developing Those Elusive Bright Eyes... With Vitamins and Minerals Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it the world as we know it would be blank.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
