Acai Drink Report

Antioxidants are organically occurring nutrients found in food. They protect the body and the immune system from free radicals, which are harmful molecules created 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 exceedingly unstable and it is particularly reactive to other atoms and groups of atoms, which leads to an hindrance of the cells ability to function normally. Free radicals can also cause cell damage, which is thought to be a main issue 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 attach to the unpaired electrons and stabilize 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 constant source of antioxidants in our diets. Oxidation is a natural process of living and it cannot be avoided but the it can cause can be minimized with a strong intake of antioxidants.

Some familiar antioxidants include vitamin A and Carotenoids found in orange fruits such as pumpkin, vitamin C found in citrus fruits, Vitamin E from nuts, seeds and whole grains, Selenium from fish, shellfish, red meat, eggs and chicken. Antioxidants also consist of various phytochemicals including Flavonoids and polyphenols, which can be found in soy, red wine, grapes, cranberries and tea. Lycopene from tomatoes and watermelon. Lutein from dark green vegetables like Kale, spinach and broccoli and Lignan, which is found in whole grains like oats and barley and also in flax seeds.

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.

Antioxidants are vital 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 more or less safe, for example vitamin C tablets, other antioxidants have proven to be unsafe. No single antioxidant can guard the body and it is the synergy of nutrients that provides the value rather than the individual antioxidant.

So the finest way to get your antioxidants is by consuming a diet of nourishing, healthy food with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is recommended 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 threat 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.