What are Antioxidants
We hear it on the news every day;
high in antioxidants, rich in antioxidants. But, do you really know
what antioxidants are, or why they’re so important to our health?
Here we will address what antioxidants are, why they are so
important, and the types of antioxidants we need. You may find the
information helpful when you realize that antioxidants are said to
be attributed in helping prevent many of today’s most devastating
diseases, diseases such as; Cancer, and Heart Disease.
In a simplified definition, Antioxidants are, compounds that protect
against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free
radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging. These
antioxidants are found in nutrients and enzymes. For a more detailed
definition visit
Wikipedia
By protecting our cell’s from free radicals, antioxidants are
believed to play a role I preventing the development of such chronic
diseases as Cancer, Heart Disease, Stoke, Alzheimer’s Disease,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cataracts. Antioxidants are found in both
nutrients and enzymes, so there are many ways and many types of food
you can get them from.
Types of Antioxidants; Nutrients
* Vitamin E
* Vitamin C
* Beta-carotene
* Selenium
Types of Antioxidants; Enzymes
* Superoxide dismutase
* Catalase
* Glutathione peroxidase
The antioxidants in the enzyme category are your primary defense in
destroying free radicals In addition to
enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, there appear to be many other
nutrients and compounds that have antioxidant properties. Among them
is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, or ubiquinone), which is essential to energy
production and can also protect the body from destructive free
radicals. Also, uric acid, a product of DNA metabolism, has become
increasingly recognized as an important antioxidant. Additionally,
substances in plants called phytochemicals are being investigated
for their antioxidant activity and health-promoting potential.
Although there are many supplements out there, it is best to get
your antioxidants directly from your food. There are a myriad of
options for you to choose from, such as:
* Vitamin E: Found in goji berries, vegetable oils, walnuts,
peanuts, almonds, seeds, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, olives,
avocado, and liver
* Vitamin C: Found in goji berries, oranges, grapefruit, broccoli,
leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cantaloupe, and
strawberries
* Beta-carotene: Found in goji berries, cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya,
pumpkin, peppers, spinach, kale, squash, sweet potatoes, apricots
* Selenium: Found in seafood, beef, chicken, pork, brazil nuts,
brown rice, whole wheat bread
According to The American Heart Association, “people should eat a
variety of foods daily from all of the basic food groups to ensure a
proper daily intake.” Moreover, they believe it is better to get the
bulk of your needed nutrients from food, as opposed to supplements.
Keep in mind that we now know that consuming mega-doses of
antioxidants can actually be harmful due to their potential toxicity
and interactions with medications. |