What Can Antioxidants Do For Us To Keep Us Healthy

By Bryan J Hooper

Just recently there have been many health studies and lots of news regarding the amazing benefits of antioxidants. This news makes great headlines, but most people dont even know what antioxidants are and how they can help us. Other questions in regards to these substances are how do we know if we are nourishing our bodies with enough of these nutrients, are there other types of antioxidants, and what do these antioxidants do to protect us from the
constant attack of free radicals?

These substances called antioxidants guard our cells from the harmful damage caused by free radicals. The free radicals damage our cells by stealing electrons from them and forcing them to become unstable.The human body creates free radicals in small quantities,and stress,injury,illness and pollution increase the levels of the free radicals in ourselves.They have recently been discovered as negative factors in accelerating our aging process.The more free radicals that we allow in our bodies,the more antioxidants we need to eradicate them.

Antioxidants are found in selenium,beta-carotene,vitamin C, nad Vitamin D. The most efective way to combat the free radicals is to combine all of the antioxidants together to form a powerful army against the free radicals. The body has some natural enzymes that it produces to eliminate these free radicals, but antioxidants reinforce the power of the body to fight back. Our bodies do not create antioxidants, so it is imperative that we supply additional antioxidants with a proper diet.Antioxidants can be found in many fruits and vegetables.

As an antioxidant, vitamin A protects cell membranes and fatty tissue and it helps in repairing damage that has been caused by polluted air,helps teeth and bone development, and boosts our immune system. Eggs, liver and dairy products have a high content of vitamin A.

A good antioxidant for lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease is found in
Cartenoids. These nutrients are found in a variety of vegetables and fruit like
pumpkins,tomatoes,spinach,carrots,and pink grapefruit.

The antioxidant found in vitamin C help support the cardiovascular system and the immune system. Vitamin C can be found in many citrus products such as
oranges,lemons,spinach,cantaloupe,and kiwi.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant by itself, but is magnified when it is ingested with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and beta carotene. Good sources include nuts, seeds, fish oils, whole grains, and apricots.

Flavonoids enhance the beneficial activities of vitamin C and can help support a healthy immune system. They are primarily found in fruits and vegetables and some teas. Flavonoids are a pigment in plants and fruits that acts as an antioxidant to protect against damage from free radicals. In the body, flavonoids enhance the beneficial activities of vitamin C and can help support a healthy immune system. - 30540

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