Acai Drink Report

Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients found in food. They guard the body and the immune system from free radicals, which are harmful molecules formed in the body. Free radicals are caused by oxidative processes in the body such as the burning of sugars for energy, the release of digestive enzymes to break down food and the processing of environmental pollutants.

A “free radical” is an atom or a molecule that has at least one unpaired electron. This unpaired electron is very unstable and it is specially reactive to other atoms and groups of atoms, which leads to an hindrance of the cells ability to function typically. Free radicals can also cause cell damage, which is thought to be a prevailing 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 neutralize 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 natural process of living and it cannot be avoided however, preventing the damage from oxidation is imperative.

Some regular 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 many 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.

There are also vitamin like antioxidants including Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Glutathione and antioxidant enzymes made by the body including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase.

Due to the vast proof of the benefits of antioxidants in the past few years many antioxidants have become available in the form of supplements. Some of these supplements are somewhat safe, for example, vitamin C tablets, however other antioxidant supplements have been proven to be harmful. It is the synergy of nutrients that provides that benefits and no single antioxidant can defend the body.

So the most excellent way to get your antioxidants is by consuming a diet of wholesome, nutritious food with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is recommended that we consume at least 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables and more may even be better. After all most fruits and vegetables are lower calorie and nutrient dense and there is no hazard from consuming your antioxidants via food as opposed to supplements.

The more colorful the food the higher antioxidant qualities it has, so eat colorful foods, like red tomatoes, green spinach, orange oranges and pumpkins and deep purple blueberries. Consume a colorful assortment every day for the highest antioxidant intake.