The Truth About Antioxidants
December 21, 2008 by admin
Filed under Healthy Living
An antioxidant is a type of molecule that can help slow or halt the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a type of chemical reaction that can produce something known as free radicals. These free radicals can set off chain reactions that can damage cells in the body. Antioxidants can help slow or prevent this.
Antioxidants are found naturally in many foods, including:
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Tea
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Cinnamon
- Olive Oil
- Red Wine
Antioxidants are used to treat and prevent all kinds of diseases and issues within the body. They can be used to treat brain injuries and strokes, and are being investigated as potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
They are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and a number of different types of cancer. They may also help prevent macular degeneration, immune deficiency, and they may reduce cholesterol.
Antioxidants are available in supplement form, but it’s probably best to get them from natural sources. Fresh fruits and vegetables are very high in antioxidants, but they are also low in calories and high in energy, and also contain fiber which has been shown to reduce cholesterol.
Additionally, there may be any number of antioxidants or other beneficial substances in foods that haven’t yet been discovered. Lycopene is an antioxidant that exists in tomatoes and some other red fruits. It was only discovered in the 1980s, and its health benefits have only recently been brought into the public light. Before that, it was never added to nutritional supplements, and anyone depending solely on supplements wouldn’t have consumed much of it.
It’s always best to consume a wide variety of all types of foods. This is the best way to ensure you’re getting an adequate amount of the various nutrients your body needs for optimal health.
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