Observe Antioxidants And The Health Benefits Of Superfoods
Antioxidants are organically occurring nutrients found in food. They safeguard 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 dispensation 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 specially reactive to other atoms or groups of atoms and therefore extreme free radicals can hinder with the cells capability 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 attach to the unpaired electrons and stabilize the free radical. Antioxidants can also thwart the oxidation process in the first place but in the course of neutralizing the free radicals the antioxidant will grow to be oxidized itself. That is why we need a continual source of antioxidants in our diets. Oxidation is a ordinary process of living and it cannot be avoided but the it can cause can be minimized with a healthy intake of antioxidants.
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 assorted 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 plentiful in flaxseeds.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Glutathione are antioxidants that are similar to vitamins and the body also makes enzymes with antioxidant qualities called superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase.
Antioxidants are essential to our bodies and our health. In the past few years many antioxidants have become obtainable 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 dangerous. 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 nourishing, healthy food with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is suggested that we eat 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 danger from consuming your antioxidants via food as opposed to supplements.
You can often impart the antioxidant level of a fruit based upon its color. The deep colors of nature give the highest levels of antioxidants. So eat deep purple blueberries, bright red tomatoes, deep green kale and spinach, orange oranges and pumpkins. The more colors you have the higher your antioxidant intake will be.