Sustain the body with Antioxidants
A September issue of the Mayo Clinic Health letter suggest that show that there is very little effectiveness in obtaining antioxidants from dietary supplements. Instead, the study found that the best way to obtain antioxidants is by eating foods that are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants include:
vitamins E and C
carotene
lycopene
lutein
There many more compounds that play a role in fighting diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and macular degeneration. The benefits of antioxidants come from the fact that they are thought to neutralize free radicals, that are a byproduct of the natural cells metabolism.
Antioxidant production in the human body is extremely inefficient and declines with the progression of age.
People who regularly eat foods rich in antioxidants reap many health benefits according to studies. It is best to receive antioxidants through food rather than dietary supplements because foods contain an unequivocal array of antioxidants.
Supplements are limited because they only offer a few of the many types of antioxidants that are found. This is a problem since Doctors do not know which antioxidants are responsible for the health benefits. Some of the better known antioxidants are:
Berry Family: Acai Berry, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries
Bean Family: Tiny red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans
Fruits: Many apple varieties (with peels), avocados, cherries, green and red pears, fresh or dried plums, pineapple, oranges, and kiwi
Vegetables: Artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, red and white potatoes (with peels), sweet potatoes and broccoli
Drinks: green tea, coffee, red wine, acai berry juice
Nuts: Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds
Herbal family: Ground cloves, cinnamon or ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder
Grains: Oat products
Dessert family: various types of dark chocolates
Taking too many antioxidants through supplements such as vitamin c can cause more damage than good according to a recent study.
However, many foods higher in antioxidants offer an array of health benefits, such as being high in fiber, protein and other vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
There is currently no guidelines set fourth by the government on what is a considered a healthy intake of antioxidants.
It is encouraged for the time being to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of amino acids like cranberries.