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Antioxidants
Facts
Antioxidants
facts - What is it?
What exactly is an antioxidant? By definition, it is a chemical
substances, found in nature or made in the laboratory, that can
protect
against oxidation damage caused by free radicals
which harms or kills cells.
Where
do free
radicals come from?
Free
radicals are left-over stuff (byproducts) of metabolism that
uses oxygen in
the process. And pretty much every cell in your body uses oxygen for
metabolism. They are everywhere since all earthly life uses oxygen
for metabolism.
What
do
these free-radicals do to our body and cells?
Free-radicals are highly reactive. When they come in contact
with cell membranes or other cellular structures, they chemically react
with them and cause a certain amount of damage.
The
free-radicals made during metabolism, if not removed, are strongly
suspected to
cause many diseases
such as heart disease,
premature aging, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's
disease and cataracts.
Antioxidant
facts - All the different types
| Type |
Antioxidants facts and food source |
| Vitamin C |
This is the most well known and widely used
antioxidant. It can boost
the immune system, help with symptoms of the common cold, protect the
blood vessel against oxidative damage and protect against damage caused
by
smoking.
There is evidence that it may prevent cancers.
|
| Vitamin
E |
This is a potent antioxidant that enhances
the immune system and may help you live longer.
|
| Bioflavonoids |
See our article Benefits of Bioflavonoids to discover this group of antioxidants. There are
over 5,000 different compounds found in this group!
|
| Carotenoids |
This group includes beta carotene, lycopene
and lutein. Studies show
that carotenoids can help prevent heart
disease, boost the immune
system and help prevent certain types of cancer.
Beta carotene are known to be helpful in protecting a smoker's lung.
Lutein is routinely recommended by doctors for people who suffer from
eye problems
such as macular degeneration (which leads to blindness). As well,
studies show that lycopene helps prevent prostate cancer.
Foods
that contain carotenoids include tomatoes, spinach, carrots and
pumpkins.
|
| Amino Acids |
There are several amino acids that possess
good antioxidant benefits. They include glutathione,
cysteine and alpha lipoic acid (ALA).
|
| Coenzyme Q10 |
See our detailed and popular article Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 to discover all the health benefits of this versatile supplement.
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| Selenium |
Selenium seems to offer protection against
prostate, colon, lung and skin cancer. Most multi-vitamin will have some in it but perhaps not quite enough...
See our article Benefits of Selenium for the complete details.
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Defend
your body against oxidative damage and aging by these annoying
free-radical. How? By eating natural foods rich in antioxidants.
There's
not much point in listing the top 10 foods high in antioxidants as you
may not like some of them! Stick with fruits (berry fruits
such as acai,
blueberries, strawberries, etc...) and vegetables; all kinds
of them.
Antioxidant supplements
can also be used to boost the amount delivered to your body and help keep
you from aging prematurely and getting some types of diseases.
Related Articles and Resources
Bioflavonoids - What are their benefits to your health?
Coenzyme Q10 - Get the facts on this potent antioxidant
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