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The second way they are formed is during
oxygen interaction between molecules. The free radical atom or group of atoms is
formed during a chemical reaction in a normal cell. This chemical reaction
breaks the bond between the normal paired electrons and eliminates one of the
electrons. The normal cell then has an unpaired electron in its outer ring and
becomes a free radical. The free radical then is out of balance and becomes
hyperactive trying to get its balance back by stealing electrons from other
normal paired electron atoms around it.
This can start a chain reaction if there
are not enough antioxidants to neutralize these out of balance free radicals.
The
oxidized free radicals are believed to cause tissue damage at the cellular
level, harming our DNA, mitochondria, and cell membranes. It is thought that
free radical damage to blood vessels is a key ingredient to poor circulation.
The damage causes inflammation and thus causes blood platelets to stick on the
inside of the vessel wall which starts the disease called Arteriosclerosis or
hardening of the arteries.
Antioxidants to the rescue! According to
the antioxidant definition the antioxidant molecules which are abundant in
antioxidant foods like blueberries, acai, pomegranate, mangosteen, and
vegetables like broccoli, kale and beets, can fix the free radical runaway with
ease. The antioxidant molecule donates one of its electrons to the free radical
and brings the free radical back into balance. This can be demonstrated by
cutting an apple. If you let it sit, oxidation starts almost immediately and it
turns the apple brown within minutes. However if you coat the apple with orange
juice containing the antioxidant
vitamin C the apple
stays white. This is approximately what happens inside the body when the
antioxidant gives its electrons to the free radicals.
There is a greatly increased need today
for antioxidants in your diet. The formation of free radicals is greatly
increased by the environmental factors of pollution, radiation, herbicides and
things like cigarette smoke which can lead to cell damage. This pollution is
found in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. This
pollution through free radical production greatly increases your risk of heart
disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and other debilitating
disease.
The most recent scientific findings and
opinions seems to favor that antioxidant definition rich foods, sometimes called
super foods, may help in the prevention of disease. There is some things we just
do not know yet and one of the biggest is how all the phytonutrients like
antioxidants act together in each individuals body.
There is one fact we know for sure. Those
people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have less heart disease,
less cancer and less circulatory problems They also have less kidney and liver
disease. An eating plan containing plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, nuts and fish can supply all the antioxidants your body needs. When you
cannot eat the proper amounts of fruits and vegetables
try whole super food supplements which are full of antioxidants and other
phytonutrients for complete and optimal health.
Vitamin E d-alpha
tocopherol. A fat soluble vitamin present in nuts, seeds, vegetable and fish
oils, whole grains (esp. wheat germ), fortified cereals, and apricots. Current
recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 15 IU per day for men and 12 IU per day for
women.
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
is a water soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, green peppers,
cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries. The RDA is
60 mg per day. Intake above 2000 mg may be associated with adverse side effects
in some individuals.
Blueberries The American
blueberry (Vaccinium) has long been recognized for its flavor, nutrition,
and health benefits. Early settlers valued the blueberry as a major ingredient
in foods and medicines.
Acai Berries has
numerous nutritional uses. Acai is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins,
essential fatty acids, and amino acids. In nature, anthocyanidins give many
fruits and flowers their colors.
Another antioxidant that is a powerful
disease prevention is carotenoids which are found in yellow, red and orange
fruits and vegetables.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found
in red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables can prevent cancer in tests.
Resveratrol a potent
antioxidant found in two of most everyone's favorite foods.
Super Food Chlorella
can help cancer patients who are undergoing radiation and chemo therapies.
In accordance with the FDA these products
are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information
on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the
advice of your health care professional
Antioxidant Definition to Antioxidants
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