|
An Antioxidant Overview Of Super Foods |
Article Submitted by: Kevin Lynch
Friday, 03 July 2009
|
Antioxidants are organically occurring nutrients that guard the body and the immune system from free radicals. A free radical is a detrimental and erratic molecule that is produced in our bodies during oxidative processes such as the burning of sugars for energy, the release of digestive enzymes to process food and the break down and release of environmental pollutants. A "free radical" is an atom or a molecule that has at least one unpaired electron. This unpaired electron is extremely unstable and it is specially reactive to other atoms and groups of atoms, which leads to an hindrance of the cells ability to function ordinarily. Free radicals can also cause cell damage, which is thought to be a principal aspect in the progress of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions, along with age-related ailments such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. An antioxidant will defuse the free radical by pairing up the unpaired electron or by preventing the oxidation in the first place. In the process the antioxidant will actually become oxidized itself so antioxidants need to be replaced constantly. Oxidation is a normal process of living and it cannot be avoided however, preventing the destruction from oxidation is crucial. Some everyday 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 diverse 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 antioxidants that are similar to vitamins and the body also makes enzymes with antioxidant qualities called superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Antioxidants are fundamental to our bodies and our health. In the past few years many antioxidants have become accessible in the form of supplements. While some antioxidant supplements have proven to be comparatively safe, for example vitamin C tablets, other antioxidants have proven to be destructive. No single antioxidant can protect the body and it is the synergy of nutrients that provides the value rather than the individual antioxidant. By far the best 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 eat at least 5 servings of produce a day, yet even more is valuable. Vegetables and fruits are low calorie, high-density nutrition so there is no worry of weight gain and it is not unsafe to get your antioxidants from food as opposed to supplements. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Acai berries are one of the foods with the highest levels of antioxidants and that can further boost a healthy immune system. Discover the health benefits of the acai berry at http://acaiwow.com
Acai berries are one of the foods with the highest levels of antioxidants and that can further boost a healthy immune system. Discover the health benefits of the acai berry at http://acaiwow.comYou are welcome to publish this article free of charge on your website, newsletter, or e-zine, provided:
- You don't change the article in any way
- You include the entire article, including the "about the author" box
- All hyperlinks must remain intact, including email addresses, and the link to ArticleBlast.com at the bottom
- In doing so you agree to indemnify the article's author, and ArticleBlast.com and its directors, officers, employees and agents from and against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities which arise out of its use
- It is also recommended that you provide a courtesy copy of your publication to the author of the article
