|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disease-Fighting Antioxidants |
| The body requires antioxidants.
They
protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free
radicals can lead to oxidation in your body. This
oxidation is like rust
on a car. Oxidation reduces the integrity of your cells and organs
which leads to disease
and aging. Antioxidants reduces oxidation, decrease your risk of infection, heart disease and cancer
and improves your immune system.
Everyone has free radicals. They are produced naturally in the body as a byproduct. Free radicals increase with exposure to environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke or radiation. Antioxidants can be found in the form of vitamins, minerals or enzymes. You will find them in foods and nutritional supplements. Most Americans do not receive enough antioxidants, because a diet of fast foods is not conducive to good health. Fruits, vegetables and whole foods are the best ways sources of antioxidants. But, it takes several servings of these each day to receive an adequate supply of antioxidants. Antioxidants that everyone needs are: Carotenoids are fat-soluble micronutrients such as beta-carotene. Carotenoids combat free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer, boost your immune system, combat tumor cells and prevent DNA damage to the cells. Carotenoids are found in apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, eggs, peaches, pumpkin, spirulina and tomatoes. Ellagic acid which is found in blueberries, pomegranates, red raspberries, strawberries, and walnuts.. It is a cancer inhibitor and fights heart disease. Gluthathione is the most important antioxidant, because it is found within the cell and is in every cell. Gluthathione is found in asparagus, avocado, broccoli, goat's milk, parsley, and whey protein. Polyphenols are micronutrients that include many antioxidants including flavonoids and anthocyanidins. These prevent degenerative illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Be careful...cooking reduces the polyphenols found in your natural foods which include: black tea, green tea, strawberries, red wine, onions, broccoli, apples, greens, blueberries, and cocoa. Proanthocyanidins are flavonoids. They are compounds that give red or blue fruits their color. They strengthen capillaries, improve night vision, help maintain the walls of the vascular system and improve blood clotting in smokers. They may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and urinary tract infections. You will find them in black currant, black tea, cocoa, cranberry, green tea, and raisins. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps prevent cancer, cataracts and slows Alzheimer's. Vitamin E is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, vegetable oils and wheat germ oil. Unless you are one of the few people (15%) who actually do eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day, you are probably not getting enough antioxidants in your diet. Smoking and exposure to environmental toxins increase your need for antioxidants. In addition, if you are looking for a quick way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet, Harold Mounce suggests 2 servings of Essential Seven powder. Foods Highest in Antioxidants
|