The Benefits of Antioxidants - 10 Reasons Why You Need to Supplement with Them

With all the emphasis lately on the benefits of antioxidants, you may be wondering, "Do I need to add antioxidant supplements to my diet?" Let's look at all the factors that determine this, and you decide for yourself. What are Antioxidants Anyway? The term "antioxidants" is the name for the vitamins and other natural compounds that protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are highly-reactive molecules that are said to be the major cause of aging and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants are responsible for preventing oxidative stress from these free radical attacks. Oxidative stress in your body is the same process as an apple rotting or metal rusting, except it's from the inside out. Longevity experts agree that the overproduction of free radicals leads to premature aging and degenerative diseases (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc.) The common nature of these diseases today is a strong indication of a widespread antioxidant deficiency. Here, then, are the most significant sources of oxidative stress, and why you need more of the benefits of antioxidants: 1. Diet and Poor Nutritional Content of Factory-farmed Produce. Industrial agriculture leads to less nutritious foods. Techniques used to increase crop yield has led to declines in protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and other important plant nutrients in factory-farmed fruits and vegetables. If you don't eat at least 6 full servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you're not getting enough antioxidants through your diet. 2. Air and Water Pollution. Ever-increasing levels of chemical toxins in the air and water contribute to free radical damage to your body. 3. Other Environmental Toxins. Ingredients in the household products you use daily, things like cleaning solutions, paint, laundry detergents, air fresheners, personal care products, etc., have toxic chemicals that you absorb in some way. 4. Ultraviolet Radiation. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes free radical damage to your skin. 5. Electromagnetic Radiation. Electromagnetic radiation has become a major source of oxidative stress today. This type of radiation is emitted by our electrical grid and all types of electronic equipment, including computers and household appliances. In addition, television, cell phone and wireless transmissions all are significant sources of high-frequency radiation. 6. Strenuous Exercise. During strenuous exercise, your body burns more oxygen to create energy. This causes an increase in free radical production. Without sufficient antioxidant protection, cellular damage accumulates over time and leads to premature aging. 7. Chronic Illnesses. Whenever you get sick, the body responds to attacks from viruses and bacteria by producing free radicals to fight off the invaders. 8. Prescription Medicines. Prescription drugs are foreign substances that increase production of free radicals by your immune system and deplete your antioxidant reserves. 9. Emotional Stress. Though we think of emotions as coming from our mind, we feel them in our bodies. Any kind of mental suffering or worry produces free radicals in your body. 10. Insufficient Evolution. Biologists say that the human body is fundamentally the same as it was 40,000 years ago, but the stress that we are being exposed to has increased dramatically in the past hundred years. Our bodies have not adapted to these new stress factors fast enough to prevent the onset of diseases we see today. As you can see, the benefits of antioxidants are more important than ever. An antioxidant-rich diet means at least 9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day, quite a task for most people, even if they have that goal. The real solution is to eat more foods exceptionally high in antioxidants, or take antioxidant supplements.