Every minute of every day the cells of our bodies are assaulted by particles called oxygen free radicals, also called oxidants. We can't escape free radicals because our cells produce them during normal metabolism. Additionally, our every day environment contains an abundance of free radicals.
Unfortunately these radicals produce chain reactions that lead to damage of the DNA in our cells. The aging of our cells is partly the result of free radical damage, also called oxidation.
Fortunately there are some simple steps that we can take to minimize the damage and to promote and prolong the health of our cells.
Oxidation
Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron. They are chemically active and can be thought of as scavengers. They easily bond with the molecules of our cells in a process called oxidation.
We are familiar with the normal oxidation process of metals such as iron. Iron oxide is called rust, and we know that rust can deteriorate the quality of the metal. Other metals also can exhibit oxidation which we generally call corrosion. We normally take steps to prevent the corrosion of metals.
Damage to our cells caused by oxidation is often called inflammation. And we can take steps to protect ourselves from cellular oxidation.
Antioxidants
There are numerous chemical compounds that will neutralize the effects of oxidation. An antioxidant will bond with the free radical, creating a stable molecule, and prevent the radical from causing oxidation of the cell. This new molecule can then be removed during normal bodily processes.
The best known antioxidants are the nutrients, vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium. Numerous other vitamins, minerals, and enzymes perform important protective antioxidant functions.
Many of these substances, most notably the above mentioned vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium, cannot be produced by our cells but must be ingested through the foods we eat or the supplements we take.
The American Heart Association teaches us that atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, is caused by fatty buildups in our arteries. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a large factor in the buildup of these fatty deposits. According to the AHA, vitamin E is the best of the naturally occurring antioxidants for providing protection against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Vitamin C is probably the most potent general free radical fighter. Its antioxidant properties are used by nearly every cell of the body. Vitamin C is a very strong immune system booster.
Here's an interesting item from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. A study investigated the effects of various cooking methods on broccoli. It concluded that microwave cooking depleted 97 per cent of the broccoli's flavonoids, a major antioxidant. By contrast, steaming the broccoli depleted only 11 per cent of the same antioxidants.
How prevalent is microwave cooking in the kitchens of our homes? Dr Cristina Garcia-Viguera, co-author of the study, concluded that it is best "to cook vegetables in the minimum amount of water in order to retain their nutritional benefits."
What To Do
To improve the health of our cells throughout our bodies, to protect our cells from the ravages of oxidation, it is essential to include a rich supply of important antioxidants in our daily diet. Two to four servings from the fruit group and three to five servings from the vegetable group daily are recommended.
If you find it difficult to consume an abundance of antioxidants from the recommended food groups, then taking daily supplements should solve the problem. Find easily digestible tablet or gel capsules from major companies or substitute good liquid supplements as a convenient and good-tasting alternative. As always, consult a physician before beginning a major new program.
*****************************
Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of anchorage-homes.com and anchorage-homes.com.
tidy up service Northbrook ..
Best liquid calcium with boronNo longer is the search for... Read More
There are a host of choices for supplementing your Ironman... Read More
Carboloading of a different variety.Saturday in Tucson before the 1982... Read More
As I mentioned in Part 4 of my Real Health... Read More
A popular mineral today, coral calcium, is mainly calcium, but... Read More
AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS ) FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTYAMLA, proudly... Read More
Herbal Supplement ? what is it?So what is an herbal... Read More
How can I improve my health and lifestyle beyond diet... Read More
Nitric Oxide, a gas that occurs naturally in the body,... Read More
Hyaluronic acid is available in a variety of products ranging... Read More
Creatine is an amino acid that is in meat and... Read More
The muscles of the body actually depend heavily on the... Read More
Do you spend at least some time in your day... Read More
Riboflavin is a common name for vitamin B-2 and was... Read More
As I have become more involved in using functional nutritional... Read More
With a high cholesterol and heart disease in the family,... Read More
Have you ever purchased something thinking you had bought a... Read More
We all know that vitamin C is one of the... Read More
Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market.... Read More
Fitness Supplement ? what is it?The term "fitness supplement" is... Read More
Once again the "wisdom" of the FDA and the supplement... Read More
Are you not feeling any results from your nutritional supplements?Here... Read More
The more I study health and fitness, the more convinced... Read More
If you're constantly digging your hand into a jar of... Read More
Since the release of a book called" beat chronic fatigue... Read More
reliable home cleaners Buffalo Grove ..ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula containing zinc... Read More
In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your... Read More
Hyaluronic acid is available in a variety of products ranging... Read More
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More
Did you know that vitamin B-1 has two other widely... Read More
It is well known and scientifically proven that vitamins and... Read More
Antioxidant vitamins perform many important tasks that our bodies benefits... Read More
The body needs a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals... Read More
The benefits of whey protein are so numerous and apply... Read More
Vitamin B3 is one of the vitamins that make up... Read More
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons... Read More
There are a number of pros and cons for vitamin... Read More
If you're constantly digging your hand into a jar of... Read More
Over the years, amino acid usage has become more and... Read More
Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering... Read More
MSM is a wonderful supplement with a low toxicity rating... Read More
Hyaluronic acid has received much press lately as a natural... Read More
The growing numbers of health conscious people today living more... Read More
You Need Probiotics For Better Digestion and Overall HealthInside your... Read More
For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More
Recently the news carried the story that a researcher had... Read More
When I first started down this path I was looking... Read More
Body Building Supplement ? what is it?The term "body building... Read More
The Greek word "Glyco" means, "Sugar". Most people think of... Read More
AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS ) FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTYAMLA, proudly... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |