Sustain the body with Antioxidants

By Dr. Lorna Mistranski

Recent research has shown that there is very little benefit from taking diet supplements to obtain antioxidants. A better way, according to a report in the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter, is by eating a diet rich in antioxidant foods. Antioxidants such as:

vitamins C and E

carotene

lycopene

lutein

Many other other factors could possibly aid in preventing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration. Antioxidants are thought to help because they can neutralize free radicals, which are toxic byproducts of natural cell metabolism.

Antioxidant production in the human body is extremely inefficient and declines with the progression of age.

People who regularly eat foods rich in antioxidants reap many health benefits according to studies. It is best to receive antioxidants through food rather than dietary supplements because foods contain an unequivocal array of antioxidants.

Supplements are limited because they only offer a few of the many types of antioxidants that are found. This is a problem since Doctors do not know which antioxidants are responsible for the health benefits. Some of the better known antioxidants are:

Berry Group: Acai Berry, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries

Bean Group: Tiny red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans

Fruit Family: Apples, avocados, cherries, pears ( all types)

Vegetables: Artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, red and white potatoes (with peels), sweet potatoes and broccoli

Drinks: green tea, coffee, red wine, acai berry juice

Nuts: Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds

Herbal family: Ground cloves, cinnamon or ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder

Grains: Oat products

Dessert family: various types of dark chocolates

Taking too many antioxidants through supplements such as vitamin c can cause more damage than good according to a recent study.

However, many foods higher in antioxidants offer an array of health benefits, such as being high in fiber, protein and other vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

There is currently no guideline by the government for which antioxidants to consume as well as how many to take as part of their daily diet--this is also the case for vitamins and minerals. A major reason to this is due to a general consensus amongst researchers.

It is encouraged for the time being to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of amino acids like cranberries. - 17274

About the Author:

For the past thirty years, Dr. Lorna Mistranski has researched extracts that offer the optimalresults in diet pills. She has a free diet pillsinformation site that providessound advice when looking for which diet solution is right for you. She also has an webblog that looks at the optimalfree diet pillstrials available and which ones to avoid.