Acai Drink Report

Antioxidants are naturally 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 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 extreme free radicals can obstruct with the cells capacity to function normally. At high levels, free radicals can also cause cell damage which is a factor 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 nip in the bud the oxidation process in the first place but in the course of neutralizing the free radicals the antioxidant will grow to be oxidized itself. That is why we need a constant supply 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 nourishing intake of antioxidants.

Some usual 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 comprise an assortment of 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 fundamental to our bodies and our health. In the past few years many antioxidants have become available in the form of supplements. While some antioxidant supplements have proven to be relatively safe, for example vitamin C tablets, other antioxidants have proven to be dangerous. No single antioxidant can guard the body and it is the synergy of nutrients that provides the value rather than the individual antioxidant.

The safest and by far the best way to get your antioxidants is through the intake of a healthy diet, consisting of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish. The USDA recommends 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and even more may be better. Most fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense and low calorie so there are no worries of gaining excess weight and eating fruits and vegetables to get your antioxidants poses no threat to your body as opposed to some supplements.

You can often tell the antioxidant level of a fruit based upon its color. The deep colors of nature give the highest levels of antioxidants. So have 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.