Health Benefits Of Antioxidants

We hear a lot about antioxidants these days. They've become the popular topic of many health studies recently. But, what exactly are antioxidants? Where do we get them from? What do they do for us? what happens when we don't have enough of them?

Antioxidants protect tissues, cells, and compounds such as protein and DNA against free radical damage. They neutralize the free radicals before they have a chance to cause cellular damage or disease. What's a free radical? It's a molecule that doesn't have a charged ion and settles anywhere it can. An example of a molecule missing a charged ion is when you cut an avocado. It will discolor quickly. However, if you coat it with lime juice, the Vitamin C will protect the avocado and keep it fresh. That's what happens in our body when it makes use of oxygen; free radicals are released. Not all free radicals are a problem, but two many do present a problem.

We've all heard that we should eat more fruits and vegetables. They're low in calories, high in fiber, and basically, all around nature's perfect food for meals and snacks. But some are higher in antioxidants than others. Berries, especially blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries all have healing antioxidants that help prevent cancer and heart disease. Broccoli, cauliflower,cabbage and brussel sprouts can help prevent some cancers, including breast cancer, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are a wonder food. They can help reduce the risk of some cancers, improve mental capacity, and boost the immune system. Some recent studies have indicated a connection between the consumption of tomatoes and lower rates of prostrate cancer.

Red grapes or red wine benefit the heart, reduce inflammatory diseases, and also protect against cancer. Garlic reduces blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. It helps fight cancer and the effects of aging. Spinach has been found to help reduce the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Tea, black or green, helps in reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Carrots contain beta-carotene, the antioxidant that gives us protection against cancer and inflammatory disease, like arthritis. Soy has been found to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and reduce the severity of menopause symptoms. It also helps reduce the risk of some cancers. Whole grains have antioxidants that help boost the immune system, prevent arthritis, treat male infertility, and slow the advancement of Alzheimer's disease.

But, most of us don't begin to eat enough of these fruits and vegetables, on a regular basis, needed to do the job. Just as with the multivitamin, the herbs rich in antioxidants could be taken separately, but the research would be time consuming, the herbs would be expensive and putting the dosage together safely would be tricky. Trust the experts. Supplement your diet with an antioxidant formula that's rich in natural herbs, such as gingko biloba for mental awareness; green tea which helps protect the heart and circulatory system; bilberry which reduces the risk of eye disease; grape seed extract which has been found to help with blood sugar regulation, heart disease and cancer; and milk thistle seed which helps reduce cholesterol. And select one that is safe, natural, and guaranteed organic.