Antioxidants are molecules capable of curtailing or arresting the consumption of oxygen by other molecules. Oxidation produces free radicals, which initiate a chain reaction and damages cells. Antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and inhibit the oxidation process. Low levels of antioxidants and/or enzymes, cause oxidative stress and damages cells, which leads to aging and eventually death of the living entity. We cannot escape mortality, but we sure can regress the aging process, through consumption of foods rich in antioxidants. They are widely used as ingredients in medicines and dietary supplements, and as preservatives in food and cosmetics.
A paradox in metabolism while the complex life requires oxygen for its existence, yet it is a highly reactive molecule that damages living organisms by producing reactive oxygen elements. Subsequently, organisms contain a complex network of antioxidants and enzymes that inhibit the oxidation process and prevent damage to cellular components like DNA, proteins and lipids.
Brain due to its high metabolic rate and elevated levels of lipids is exceptionally vulnerable to oxidative injury; therefore medicines containing antioxidants are used to treat various forms of brain injury. Antioxidants appear to prevent oxidative stress in neurons and prevent neurological damage, hence are now being used as possible treatments for Alzheimer s disease and Parkinson s disease
Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants, and people who consume them regularly are at a lower risk of contracting heart diseases and some neurological diseases. There are plenty of foods that contain antioxidants and most are from a vegetarian diet, because plants are exposed to abundant sunlight, causing cell damage, and to counteract it plants develop and use antioxidants.
Almost all berries, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables and bright colored vegetables contain antioxidants. An excellent way to get antioxidants in your diet is incorporate two servings of vegetable and one serving of fruit, alternatively, if tired of eating vegetables you can switch to consuming more fruits, dry fruits and fruit juices. To maintain a fine circulation of antioxidants in your body and excrete the detoxified substances, drinking 8 10 glasses of water is essential.
Since, there exists different types of antioxidants that protect your tissues from different types of damages, it is advisable to eat a wide range of antioxidant rich foods. If, you are unable to prepare a bowl of salad everyday, buy a juicer and within minutes a big glass of juice will be dating you at your breakfast table. Another, convenient option is to use a high quality super green food product.
Fruits like exotic acai berry, blueberry, cranberry, and blackberries. Vegetables like beans, artichoke hearts, and particularly russet potatoes. Nuts like delicious pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts. And those aromatic spices like cinnamon, oregano, and ground cloves. And not to forget the bright colored foods like apples, bananas, papaya, lemon, lime, orange and other citrus fruits.
The oxygen radical absorbance capacity is a parameter that defines how well the body can fight diseases, which in turns depends on the strength of your metabolism and absorption process. Today antioxidants are readily available in tonics, natural extracts, powders and food supplements and conveniently available in your nearest supermarket and your grocery store. A little effort on your part, will guarantee you longevity and a robust health.
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