So much hype surrounds a group of compounds contained in food known as antioxidants. Word is that they can do a lot, such as fighting diseases, protecting the memory and preventing aging. They are natures method of fighting off potentially harmful molecules found in the body. Such molecules come in synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, chlorine byproducts and plastics. Below is an overview of the importance of an antioxidant diet.
Antioxidants assist in fighting a normal chemical process known as oxidation that takes place every day in the body. It can be accelerated by stress, alcohol and cigarette smoking. In case a disruption in the natural process of oxidation occurs, molecules known as free radicals that are potentially damaging and highly unstable are created. The formation of such destructive little chemicals is triggered by oxygen, and is capable of causing damage to body cells if left uncontrolled.
When the production of free radicals exceeds the protective defenses found in the body, oxidative stress occurs. This stress together with damage to cells caused by free radicals may initiate the initial stages of heart disease and cancer. The development of arthritis, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, cataracts, age-related blindness and kidney disease is also linked to free radicals.
The human body has its own defenses against such damage. It creates antioxidants for combating the free radicals as well as protecting the cells from being attacked by oxygen. They can safely interact with the radicals and halt the chain of damaging prior to the damage happening to the cells. These helpful molecules can be gained from the diet that a person consumes.
Certain vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as minerals such as selenium and manganese are antioxidants. Some plant compounds also act as antioxidants, such as carotene and lycopene. Many types of foods capable of being included in a diet are ideal sources of antioxidants. While selenium and manganese can be found in small amounts in meats and seafood, the main source of antioxidants is plant foods.
Antioxidant systems come in a wide variety. However, how they work within the human body as a team is something that scientists are yet to know. The bottom line is that one antioxidant cannot do the work of many others by itself.
An ideal way of incorporating various antioxidants into a diet is through consumption of foods representing all the colors of a rainbow. Each color has its own unique antioxidant effect. Deep bright orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots, apricots and sweet potatoes provide one antioxidant type, while red fruits like tomatoes provide another kind. Green vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage as well as blue or purple ones like blueberries and eggplant each have antioxidants packages.
The importance of an antioxidant diet is all about lowering the risks of ailments such as cancer and heart disease. The best such diet is one that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Antioxidants assist in fighting a normal chemical process known as oxidation that takes place every day in the body. It can be accelerated by stress, alcohol and cigarette smoking. In case a disruption in the natural process of oxidation occurs, molecules known as free radicals that are potentially damaging and highly unstable are created. The formation of such destructive little chemicals is triggered by oxygen, and is capable of causing damage to body cells if left uncontrolled.
When the production of free radicals exceeds the protective defenses found in the body, oxidative stress occurs. This stress together with damage to cells caused by free radicals may initiate the initial stages of heart disease and cancer. The development of arthritis, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, cataracts, age-related blindness and kidney disease is also linked to free radicals.
The human body has its own defenses against such damage. It creates antioxidants for combating the free radicals as well as protecting the cells from being attacked by oxygen. They can safely interact with the radicals and halt the chain of damaging prior to the damage happening to the cells. These helpful molecules can be gained from the diet that a person consumes.
Certain vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as minerals such as selenium and manganese are antioxidants. Some plant compounds also act as antioxidants, such as carotene and lycopene. Many types of foods capable of being included in a diet are ideal sources of antioxidants. While selenium and manganese can be found in small amounts in meats and seafood, the main source of antioxidants is plant foods.
Antioxidant systems come in a wide variety. However, how they work within the human body as a team is something that scientists are yet to know. The bottom line is that one antioxidant cannot do the work of many others by itself.
An ideal way of incorporating various antioxidants into a diet is through consumption of foods representing all the colors of a rainbow. Each color has its own unique antioxidant effect. Deep bright orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots, apricots and sweet potatoes provide one antioxidant type, while red fruits like tomatoes provide another kind. Green vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage as well as blue or purple ones like blueberries and eggplant each have antioxidants packages.
The importance of an antioxidant diet is all about lowering the risks of ailments such as cancer and heart disease. The best such diet is one that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
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