Monday, March 14, 2011

Antioxidants Purely Found in Foods

Why do we need to eat foods that are found to be purely high in antioxidants?
What are antioxidants?
Which foods do we need to eat, in order to organically fight free radicals?

Scientists have found that the body forms unstable oxygen molecules, called free radicals; every cell produces tens of thousands of them each day. A free radical is mostly an atom with an odd number of electrons in its outer ring. Since electrons have a very strong bent to exist in a paired rather than an unpaired state, free radicals by chance pick up electrons from other atoms, which in turn convert those other atoms into lesser free radicals, thus setting up a chain reaction, which can cause large biological damage. This, in short, is bad. There are also many kinds of free radicals, which we are open to everyday, for example, pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides.

Antioxidants are thought to neutralise and stabilise these free radicals.

So, which antioxidants are naturally found in which foods?

We have:

Vitamin E: a fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and equipped cereals. Some of the foods containing the highest amounts of vitamin E are wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, hazelnuts, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, kiwi and mango.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin involved in the metabolism of all cells. It protects vitamin A and necessary fatty acids from corrosion in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues.

Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, cabbage, green peppers, broccoli, spinach, tomato, kale, guava, cantaloupe, kiwi, papaya, and strawberries.
It is essential in forming collagen, a protein that gives formation to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also aids in the assimilation of iron, and helps keep up capillaries, bones, and teeth.

Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. It is here in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomato, cantaloupe, peaches, and grains.
Studies have been done on beta-carotene's effectiveness for heart disease, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, male infertility, and psoriasis.

Coenzyme Q10: CoQ10 boosts energy, enhances the immune structure, and acts as an antioxidant. A growing body of research suggests that coenzyme Q10 may help prevent or treat some of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and others. Primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish, organ meats such as liver, spinach, broccoli, peanuts, wheat germ and whole grains.

Selenium: Selenium is a map out mineral that is indispensable to good health but requisite only in small amounts. It helps produce antibodies; helps produce co-enzyme Q10and helps ship ions athwart cell membranes. The best sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, wheat germ, molasses, sunflower seeds, whole wheat bread and dairy foods.

You should note that there are many other antioxidants organically found in foods.
You should also note that the best way to take antioxidants is naturally, through fresh, vibrant food.
One more thing; sometimes less is more. Some of these antioxidants are only needed in small amounts, so check into whether you need to take more or not, before you start overdosing on antioxidants!

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