Acai Drink Report

Food provides us with organically occurring antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that defend the body and the immune system from harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are variable molecules that come about as a result of oxidative processes such as the burning of sugars for energy, the release of digestive enzymes to break down food and the dispensation 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 particularly reactive to other atoms or groups of atoms and therefore excessive free radicals can impede with the cells capacity to function routinely. 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 attach to the unpaired electrons and stabilize the free radical. Antioxidants can also avert the oxidation process in the first place but in the process of neutralizing the free radicals the antioxidant will grow to be oxidized itself. That is why we need a recurrent supply of antioxidants in our diets. Oxidation is a ordinary process of living and it cannot be avoided but the it can cause can be minimized with a healthy intake of antioxidants.

Common foods that we eat everyday offer us with antioxidants. Vitamin C comes from citrus fruits and strawberries. Vitamin A and carotenoids are found in pumpkin, butternut squash and other deep orange foods. Vitamin is found in nuts, seed and whole grains. Selenium comes from eggs, chicken, red meat, fish and shellfish. Different phytochemicals including flavonoids and polyphenols can be found in soy, red wine, grapes, cranberries and green tea. Lycopene is from tomatoes and watermelon and Lutein comes from deep green vegetables like spinach and kale. Lignan can be found in whole grains like oats and barley and also 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.

Because of the widespread proof from the past few years about the benefits of antioxidants, many antioxidants are now offered in supplement form. These supplements range from rather safe, such as vitamin C tablets to outright dangerous. No single antioxidant is advantageous to the body as the value comes from the synergy between the nutrients.

So the best 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 suggested that we eat 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 danger from consuming your antioxidants via food as opposed to supplements.

You can often impart the antioxidant level of a fruit based upon its color. The deep colors of nature provide the highest levels of antioxidants. So eat 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.