ANTIOXIDANTS
"The amount of antioxidants in your body is directly proportional to how long and well you will live” Richard Cutler, MD, former Director, National Institute of HealthRichard Cutler, MD
What’s all the buzz about Antioxidants?
You hear and read about them, see them advertised on commercials, etc., but do we really know what an Antioxidant is?
Antioxidant is one of the biggest and most misunderstood buzzwords in the world of health and wellness. Let’s learn about the role of an Antioxidant beyond the hype, and some research on health and disease prevention.
We’ve known for years that antioxidants can help prevent heart disease and cancer, reduce blood pressure, and slow the effects of aging. These naturally occurring compounds protect the body from harmful, excess free radicals, sweeping then up before they can cause damage. And the best way to lay an antioxidant-rich foundation that’s inhospitable to toxins and free radicals is through a combination of whole foods and supplementing with good safe antioxidant supplements.
Antioxidants vs. Free Radicals
Antioxidants
(Good Guys)
Combat free radicals to prevent cell and DNA damage. They prevent oxidation and rusting. We get them from colorful fruits and vegetables.
Free Radicals
(Bad Guys)
Are toxins that cause cell and DNA damage. They cause oxidation and rusting. They are caused by stress, sun, exposure, smoking, exercise, toxins, and pollution.
“Antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they cause damage”
You should aim to get all your nutrients, including antioxidants from healthy foods, but research states that 90% of the population have poor diets and not getting the nutrition needed. So, getting additional sources of antioxidant supplements may provide added protecting against a growing onslaught of free radical invaders.
Reasons to Eat Antioxidants
Visual Example: slice an apple, turns brown, which is oxidation. Add lemon juice (antioxidant) reverses the oxidation.
Hopefully this helps you understand the importance of Antioxidants – they neutralize the free radicals and protect the cells = lowers our risk of many chronic diseases.
More Reasons to Eat Antioxidants
- Protect your Heart – (oxidized cholesterol)
- Protect your DNA – (carotenoids most potent)
- Control Diabetes Complications –(phytochemicals)
- Defend Against Dementia – brain cells damaged by free radicals – Vitamin C & E good defense.
- Save your Sight – carotenoid, beta carotene & lutein.
- Ageing – vitamins add vitality to ageing chromosomes.
Antioxidants Videos
Articles About Antioxidants
and the Health Benefits They Provide.
Antioxidant Cocktail Key To Preventing Alzheimer’s
Research from The University of Western Australia has found a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants may prevent or even reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Open Biology, found taking a combination of antioxidants at increasing...
Vegetables Are A Good Source Of Antioxidants
Key Facts Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals. A free-radical is an unstable atom. Free-radicals can cause damage to your body. Antioxidants can help prevent the health issues caused by free radicals. Your body makes antioxidants, but you can also get...
How Do Antioxidants Work?
BY ABBY PRATT, CHOP5 NUTRITION BLOGGER You may see products advertised that they are “high in antioxidants” but what does that really mean? Is it just a marketing buzz word or something we should be trying to get into our diet? First, let’s go over what they actually...
Health Benefits of Antioxidants
Written by Dean Shaban Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on June 26, 2023 What Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that protect your body from the effects of unstable molecules called free radicals. Free radicals develop when atoms in your body gain or lose...
How can antioxidants benefit our health?
Antioxidants can prevent or slow cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. They can increase the risk of inflammation and various health issues. They are...
About The Buzz: Antioxidants in Fruits and Vegetables Can Prevent Several Leading Causes of Death?
Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can prevent several leading causes of death? WHAT THEY’RE SAYINGAntioxidants prevent our bodies from getting certain illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even cancer. WHAT WE KNOW So how does...