Observe Antioxidants And The Health Dominance Of Superfoods
Food provides us with biologically occurring antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that shelter the body and the immune system from detrimental molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are volatile molecules that crop up 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 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 especially 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 prevailing aspect in the increase 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 continuously. Oxidation is a inherent process of living and it cannot be avoided however, preventing the destruction from oxidation is crucial.
Some frequent 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 include a variety 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.
Due to the vast proof of the benefits of antioxidants in the past few years many antioxidants have become presented in the form of supplements. Some of these supplements are rather safe, for instance, 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 protect the body.
By far the greatest way to get your antioxidants is by means of a healthy diet based upon vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is suggested that we eat at least 5 servings of produce a day, yet even more is advantageous. Vegetables and fruits are low calorie, high-density nutrition so there is no dread of weight gain and it is not hazardous to get your antioxidants from food as opposed to supplements.
You can often reveal the antioxidant level of a fruit based upon its color. The deep colors of nature provide the highest levels of antioxidants. So consume deep purple blueberries, bright red tomatoes, deep green kale and spinach, orange oranges and pumpkins. The more colors you consume the higher your antioxidant intake will be.