Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Observe Antioxidants And The Health Advantages Of Super Foods

By Andrea B Henderson

Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that shield the body and the immune system from free radicals. A free radical is a damaging and unbalanced molecule that is created in our bodies during oxidative processes such as the burning of sugars for energy, the release of digestive enzymes to handle food and the break down and discharge of environmental pollutants.

The term "free radical" actually refers to an atom or molecule that has at least one unpaired electron. This unpaired electron is exceptionally reactive to other atoms or groups of atoms and therefore extreme free radicals can hinder with the cells capability to function normally. At high levels, free radicals can also cause cell damage which is a reason in many health woes, including age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's and the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other conditions.

An antioxidant will connect to the unpaired electrons and alleviate the free radical. Antioxidants can also nip in the bud the oxidation process in the first place but in the course of neutralizing the free radicals the antioxidant will become oxidized itself. That is why we need a recurrent supply of antioxidants in our diets. Oxidation is a instinctive process of living and it cannot be avoided but the it can cause can be minimized with a nourishing intake of antioxidants.

Some ordinary foods that supply antioxidants are citrus fruits and strawberries, which supply vitamin C, orange fruits like pumpkin and butternut squash give us vitamin A and Carotenoids. We get Vitamin E from nuts, seeds and whole grains. Selenium is found is fish, shellfish, red meat, eggs and chicken. There are also a number of phytochemicals including Flavonoids and polyphenols, which are also classified as antioxidants and can be found in soy, red wine, grapes, cranberries and tea. Tomatoes and watermelon provide Lycopene and Lutein comes from dark green vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli. Lignan is found in whole grains like oats, barley and it is also abundant in flaxseeds.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Glutathione are vitamin like antioxidants and the body also makes its own antioxidant enzymes referred to as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase.

Due to the great evidence of the benefits of antioxidants in the past few years many antioxidants have become offered in the form of supplements. Some of these supplements are relatively safe, for instance, vitamin C tablets, however other antioxidant supplements have been demonstrated to be harmful. It is the synergy of nutrients that provides that benefits and no single antioxidant can protect the body.

By far the greatest way to get your antioxidants is through a healthy diet based upon vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is suggested that we have at least 5 servings of produce a day, yet even more is constructive. Vegetables and fruits are low calorie, high-density nutrition so there is no dread of weight gain and it is not risky to get your antioxidants from food as opposed to supplements.

You can often impart the antioxidant level of a fruit based upon its color. The deep colors of nature present the highest levels of antioxidants. So have deep purple blueberries, bright red tomatoes, deep green kale and spinach, orange oranges and pumpkins. The more colors you have the higher your antioxidant intake will be. - 17274

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