Antioxidants Are Available From Natural Foods
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause damage to our body’s cellular make-up. Scientists say that many of our health problems such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc. are directly attributed to oxidative damage caused by these free radicals.
Free radicals are formed when our body uses oxygen. If these free radicals are left unchecked they might create molecular chains, which might affect the body’s ability to regenerate properly, and lead to degeneration. We are exposed to many kinds of free radicals everyday through pollution, radiation, cigarettes and herbicides.
Antioxidants play an active role by defusing these free radicals. Antioxidants are available naturally through various food sources and also in supplements from pharmaceuticals and drug industry. More than 4000 compounds are found in foods that have antioxidants.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an antioxidant involved in the metabolism of all cells. It is fat-soluble. It safeguards vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation and prevents breakdown of body tissues. Sources of vitamin E are almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, peanuts, hazelnuts, broccoli, spinach, mango and kiwi.
Vitamin C – This is helpful in forming collagen, a protein that provides structure to bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels. It also aids in assimilation of iron and helps maintain capillaries, bones and teeth. Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. Rich sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, green peppers, spinach, tomato, cabbage, broccoli, guava, kiwi, papaya, etc.
Beta-carotene – It is highly effective for heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, fibromyalgia, male infertility and so many other health conditions. Beta-carotene is present in milk, butter, carrots, broccoli, liver, egg yolk, tomato, yams, cantaloupe, grains and peaches.
Coenzyme Q10: Research shows that CoQ10 enhances our immune system, boosts energy and acts as an antioxidant. Research also suggests that coenzyme Q10 might help prevent or treat some health conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and others. Main dietary sources of CoQ10 are fish oil, meats such as liver, peanuts, wheat germ, whole grains, broccoli, and spinach.
Selenium: Selenium, a trace mineral is essential to good health but is required only in small amounts. It helps manufacture antibodies and co-enzyme Q10 and helps to carry ions across cell membranes. The best sources of selenium are wheat germ, molasses, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, whole wheat bread and dairy foods.
Antioxidants ward off free radicals that affect our immune system. Health experts around the world agree that as we get older we should consume more antioxidant rich foods in our daily diets. It seems certain antioxidants aid in slowing down the aging process!
Instead of spending a fortune on other chemicals to maintain your age and health why don’t you consume antioxidants that are naturally available through fresh vibrant food?
