Antioxidants

You've probably heard too many facts about antioxidant benefits. If you keep up with the news or read health related magazines it's likely you're already aware that antioxidants are good for you. What you may not know is how they work and how to incorporate them into your diet. To understand the function of antioxidants it is helpful to first understand free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that have an oxidizing effect on the body. These molecules can damage healthy cells and are thought to have a link to certain diseases like cancer, heart disease and even cataracts. The oxidation caused by free radicals can be compared to how rust damages metal.


Unfortunately it is impossible to avoid free radicals. They are produced by normal chemical processes in the body. They can be produced by aerobic exercise, sun exposure, stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, pollution and many other sources. In some ways, free radicals can actually be helpful because they don't just damage healthy cells, they damage harmful germs as well. Free radicals in the body is a totally natural thing, but can be harmful when the level of free radicals gets out of control. Too many free radicals in the body can lead to cell damage which is what you want to avoid.

Antioxidants bind together with the free radical molecules, neutralizing them and reducing their harmful effects on healthy cells. In addition to rendering free radicals harmless, antioxidants can even assist in the repair of cells that have already been damaged. So, antioxidants serve two purposes. They neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and they help repair sustained damage. Everyone needs antioxidants in their diet, unfortunately not everyone gets enough on a daily basis. Although the body does produce certain antioxidants naturally it is imperative to also consume antioxidant rich foods and beverages. You may also want to consider a supplement if you do not consume enough of these foods and beverages.

Antioxidant benefits can be obtained by consuming lots of produce. Broccoli, red peppers, carrots, kale, oranges and berries are just a few fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Other sources include coffee and tea. White tea is the least processed type of tea which means it has the most antioxidants, with green tea coming in second. You can even get antioxidants from dark chocolate and red wine, when consumed in strict moderation. Now that you know the benefits of antioxidants, you may want to adjust your diet to make sure you are getting enough of them.



Antioxidants News:

Antioxidant fruit
Antioxidants are nutrients found in our food that help slow down and prevent damage to our body from oxidation...


Berry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and .
Edible berries, a potential source of natural anthocyanin antioxidants, have demonstrated a broad spectrum of biomedical functions. These include cardiovascular disorders, advancing age-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, ...


Spirulina EUR˜research library groups studies by health benefit (Nutraingredients.com)
The document contains 435 abstracts of human and animal studies conducted at universities, government sponsored research facilities and by private researchers around the world...


Mom always said, 'You are what you eat' -- and nutrition experts agree - Fort Worth Star Telegram

Mom always said, 'You are what you eat' -- and nutrition experts agree
Fort Worth Star Telegram
It contains resveratrol, an antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. Resveratrol has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; .

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Researchers Show New Antioxidant Could Help Treat Cardiovascular Disease (Medical News Today)
Researchers at the University of Glasgow believe they have found a potential new treatment for cardiovascular disease which reduces blood pressure. Scientists at the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre (BHF GCRC) used a recently-developed antioxidant called MitoQ10 to prevent damage to the mitochondria of cells in an experimental model of hypertension and stroke...


HealthWatch for July 1, 2009 (The Charleston State Journal)
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables could help boost endurance, the FDA votes to lower the maximum dose of acetaminophen and the ability of a mother to identify a weight problem in her child appears to be dependent on her own weight...


Health Benefits of Coffee | HealthierWays.com
One reason we get our antioxidants from coffee is that we simply consume more of it than any other source of antioxidants. According to a study by Nestle Research Center in Switzerland, coffee has four times more antioxidants than the ...


Antioxidant may boost exercise endurance (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in the antioxidant quercetin may boost endurance, according to a small study with healthy college students...


Nature's Exotic Juices - Healthy Wealthy n Wise

Nature's Exotic Juices
Healthy Wealthy n Wise
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2004 found that mangosteen, with its strong antioxidant properties and ability to kill cancer cells .

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Concern About Antioxidants and Breast Cancer - New York Times

InjuryBoard.com

Concern About Antioxidants and Breast Cancer
New York Times
Many women with breast cancer continue to take antioxidant supplements despite worries that the pills may interfere with treatment, .
Antioxidants may interfere with breast cancer treatmentCNN
Being Treated for Cancer? Skip the Antioxidant SupplementsU.S. News & World Report
Many Cancer Patients Use AntioxidantsWebMD
MedPage Today -Living the Science -7Online.com
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Does AƧaƭ Really Help Shed Pounds and Boost Energy? - Reader's Digest

Does AƧaƭ Really Help Shed Pounds and Boost Energy?
Reader's Digest
Claim: The antioxidant-rich Brazilian berry aƧaƭ (pronounced "a-sigh-EE") will help you shed pounds and feel energized. .

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Mind Body Spirit and Soul: Fact EUR Eating antioxidants to Save Skin
Clinique has this daily moisturizer, i.e. New Continuous Rescue„¢ Antioxidant Moisturizer that contains a complex of eight antioxidants, both rapid and delayed-release, dedicated to our skin that helps keep it strong, and at the same ...


Antioxidants and Male Fertility: Scientific American Podcast
One effort examined the effects that antioxidants might have on sperm. The researchers hypothesized that antioxidants could lower the oxidative stress that can harm sperm. More antioxidants could theoretically improve both sperm ...


Medical News: Obesity Report; Swine Flu Warning; Chocolate And Blood Pressure (WCVB Boston)
Massachusetts is one of the leanest states in the nation, according to the new report, F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America...


Antioxidant may boost exercise endurance - Reuters

National Post

Antioxidant may boost exercise endurance
Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in the antioxidant quercetin may boost endurance, according to a small study with .
Antioxidants enhace exercise tolerancePRESS TV
Legal performance enhancerThe State

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Antioxidants can slow loss of sight in old age, scientists find - guardian.co.uk

Health Newstrack

Antioxidants can slow loss of sight in old age, scientists find
guardian.co.uk
People at risk of going blind in old age may be able to keep their sight for longer by taking antioxidant supplements, scientists have found. .
Antioxidants can slow 'blindness'Hindu
Aging Vision Loss Slows With New Antioxidant SupplementeMaxHealth.com
Supplement 'slows down blindness'BBC News
Irish Times -Examiner.com -Science Daily (press release)
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Organic farming raises antioxidants, lowers impact on workers .
This tidbit of information came in this week's newsletter from our CSA provider, Grant Farms: You might wonder why and how organic farming elevates...


Selenium losing magic - Daily Comet

Selenium losing magic
Daily Comet
Dietary supplements, including multivitamins and the antioxidant selenium, are taken daily by tens of millions of Americans in hopes of bolstering their .
CSPI Urges FDA to Seize Stockpiles of Bayer One A Day for MenCenter for Science in the Public Interest

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Researchers show new antioxidant could help treat cardiovascular . - PhysOrg.com

Researchers show new antioxidant could help treat cardiovascular .
PhysOrg.com
Scientists at the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre (BHF GCRC) used a recently-developed antioxidant called MitoQ10 to prevent .

and more »
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The Day in Medicine (12 FOX Mankato)
Welcome back.We first told you yesterday government experts were considerin read more..


Show Your Best Summer Skin - PR Newswire (press release)

Show Your Best Summer Skin
PR Newswire (press release)
New Dial(R) Antioxidant Body Wash with Cranberry & Antioxidant Pearls is infused with cranberry extracts and extra moisturizers so skin feels nourished, .

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Natural alternatives to acetaminophen for pain relief - Creative Loafing Tampa

Natural alternatives to acetaminophen for pain relief
Creative Loafing Tampa
This can be caused by gum disease, chronic sinus infections, toxic chemical accumulations or a deficiency of antioxidant foods. Some people are deficient in .

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Antioxidants Help the Liver Carry Out Its Cleansing Processes .
The most common cause of liver disease is excess alcohol. Aside from consuming alcohol, learn which other factors - such as obesity and malnutrition - can play...


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