Creating Your Own Antioxidants
December 30, 2010 
0 Comments
How Important Are Antioxidants?
Everyday, your body gets rid of mutated and oxidized cells, known as “free radicals”. With a strong immune system, the human body can recognize and get rid of these cells. Cells can become mutated or oxidized naturally as they are replicating in the body, or from stress, smoking, age, and sun damage. UV rays from the sun are very hard on your body’s cells.
Your body has developed a natural way to help rid itself of these cells through the consumption and use of natural antioxidants. The body naturally creates some antioxidants, but it relies heavily on a proper diet to get the rest of it’s natural antioxidants. Spinach as well as blueberries, apples and several other plant foods are rich in antioxidants. Flaxseed contains lignans which may have antioxidant effects. Flaxseeds are said to fight cancer due to the fact that the omega-3 fatty acids found within it act as antioxidants in the body. The antioxidants in dark chocolate have shown to make a difference in cardiovascular health. Research shows that anti aging creams that do not have antioxidants do not work as effectively as those that contain it. Free radicals are the forerunners of devastating diseases like cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease: antioxidants can help get rid of these free radicals from your body. Garlic also serves as an antioxidant and some studies even indicate that it can help to protect against cancer.
Sunscreen lotion with a high sun protection factor (SPF) is important to reduce the amount of damage to your cells, thus resulting in less free radicals in your body. Colorful fruits and vegetables naturally contain antioxidants that your body craves! Many of the best tasting fruits are high in antioxidants.
What Are Natural Sources Of Antioxidants?
Many people these days take antioxidants to counter the detrimental effect of free radicals. Maybe someone suggested mangosteen juice, or maybe noni juice, goji berry juice, or xyz juice. But in fact, artichokes are among the best sources of antioxidants. Berries in general are among the foods which are the most antioxidant-dense. Caretonoid is an antioxidant that is found in carrots, apricots and all major citrus fruits including oranges. Beta-carotene is one popular natural antioxidant and is present in various natural food products. Strawberries are high in antioxidants, so you could make yourself a fruit smoothie at home and enjoy the delicious flavor along with the antioxidant benefits. The truth is, there are many common foods high in antioxidants and you should not just restrict yourself to one particular food source.
By simply eating healthy, there are many reasons why you may still need to supplement your diet with supplements.
* Most fruit and vegetables today are grown in nutrient-depleted soils
* Most fruit and vegetables today are not eaten fresh, let alone grown organically
* Most everyone does not eat enough fruits and vegetables
* Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can result in bloating and gas
Supplements are also a great way to increase your intake of antioxidants. There are two or three major vitamin groups such as vitamin A, C and E that work in the body as antioxidants. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are very powerful natural antioxidants. Many vitamins are proven antioxidants, which means they are able to fight against free radicals in the body. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and is also needed for the production of serotonin. Vitamin E also works synergistically with the mineral selenium that helps the body to create other antioxidants. Although both vitamin A and vitamin C are good antioxidants, it is vitamin E that is the most effective and potent of the antioxidants important for the health of your eyes. The antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 encourages cell turnover by restoring and preventing damaged skin. The effects of Aloe Vera is partially interesting because it makes vitamin E, vitamin C and other antioxidants work better.
Glyconutrients supplements are one way to help the body to naturally create its own antioxidants. Research has shown that the body can naturally synthesize antioxidants in the body and it can better do this when glyconutrient supplements are added to the diet.
