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 produced 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.

The term “free radical” actually refers to an atom or molecule that has at least one unpaired electron. This unpaired electron is exceptionally reactive to other atoms or groups of atoms and therefore extreme free radicals can obstruct with the cells ability to function naturally. 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 neutralize the free radical by coupling 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 continuously. Oxidation is a inherent process of living and it cannot be avoided however, preventing the destruction from oxidation is critical.

Some ordinary 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 a variety of 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.

Antioxidants are necessary 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 quite safe, for example vitamin C tablets, other antioxidants have proven to be detrimental. 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 most excellent way to get your antioxidants is by consuming a diet of healthy, healthy food with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is suggested 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 risk from consuming your antioxidants via food as opposed to supplements.

The deep colors in foods often show the levels of antioxidants so eat colorful foods, purple blueberries, red grapes and red tomatoes, deep green spinach and kale, orange oranges and pumpkins and more. Think about eating many different colors everyday for the highest antioxidant intake.