By Perry Holden
Antioxidants are molecules which work by fighting free radicals. These radicals are unsteady molecules that can damage body cells and impair their function if they are left unchecked. Free radicals can reach your body from outside sources such as pollution, UV light or smoking. The damage done by free radicals can be linked to ageing as well as creation of diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer's.
Immune systems can become weak from the attacks by free radicals. The major benefits from antioxidants are - help maintaining overall health, protecting central nervous system, improving heart health, strengthen immune system, etc. Antioxidants can be found in two available forms - food and supplements.
Antioxidants in Foods
Antioxidants in foods are known as the best way to consume antioxidants. They are plentiful and every healthy diet should consider them as a must. To get the best benefit from foods, we can eat them raw or just lightly steamed. Getting antioxidants in this way has been proved to be beneficial. Some of the important Antioxidants to be taken are -
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Beta-carotene
Selenium
Manganese
Zinc
Chromium
Various types of foods contain antioxidants.
You can maintain a varied diet and also get all of the antioxidants that your body needs to stay healthy. Specific food items which are the best sources of antioxidants are listed below -
Fruits:
Berries, dried plums, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, blueberries, black plums, kiwi, orange, pineapple.
Vegetables:
Beans, Russet potatoes, spinach, parsley, artichokes, brussel sprouts, peppers, red cabbage, beets, carrots, kale, asparagus, watercress, broccoli, lentils, peas, garlic, tomato.
Nuts:
Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds.
Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, oregano.
Beverages: Green tea, red wine, coffee, oolong tea.
Dry fruit:
Apricots, prunes, dates.
Cereal:
Barley, oats, corn, millet.
Antioxidants in Supplements
The benefits of nutritional supplements must be known before you decide to take any antioxidants in supplement form. Though it is suggested to consume antioxidants from natural sources, supplements can also be taken under the proper instructions or guidance from your physician.
Getting nutrients in capsule form may not be the preferred solution, however they still provide what our bodies need to achieve the desired health levels. To avoid the negative effects of antioxidants, one should indulge in a healthy diet and consume correct portions of antioxidant supplements.
Excess supplementation can be harmful for the human body. High doses of beta-carotene may enhance the functions of cancer-causing chemicals. Intake of excess Vitamin A can damage the DNA and increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Vitamin E becomes pro-oxidant by increasing cell damage if it is consumed at a high dose.
It can also increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and prostate cancer.
As a known fact, too much of everything is not good. Hence, it is important to reflect on what our needs are, and then decide to plan and indulge in a healthy diet or otherwise resort to antioxidant supplements as a aided form of achieving the end desired result.
Perry Holden, is a web publisher on "Antioxidant Supplements" topics. His latest publications are in the arias of health and fitness. For more information, visit: https://www.antioxidantsupplementsstore.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perry_Holden
Antioxidants are molecules which work by fighting free radicals. These radicals are unsteady molecules that can damage body cells and impair their function if they are left unchecked. Free radicals can reach your body from outside sources such as pollution, UV light or smoking. The damage done by free radicals can be linked to ageing as well as creation of diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer's.
Immune systems can become weak from the attacks by free radicals. The major benefits from antioxidants are - help maintaining overall health, protecting central nervous system, improving heart health, strengthen immune system, etc. Antioxidants can be found in two available forms - food and supplements.
Antioxidants in Foods
Antioxidants in foods are known as the best way to consume antioxidants. They are plentiful and every healthy diet should consider them as a must. To get the best benefit from foods, we can eat them raw or just lightly steamed. Getting antioxidants in this way has been proved to be beneficial. Some of the important Antioxidants to be taken are -
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Beta-carotene
Selenium
Manganese
Zinc
Chromium
Various types of foods contain antioxidants.
You can maintain a varied diet and also get all of the antioxidants that your body needs to stay healthy. Specific food items which are the best sources of antioxidants are listed below -
Fruits:
Berries, dried plums, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, blueberries, black plums, kiwi, orange, pineapple.
Vegetables:
Beans, Russet potatoes, spinach, parsley, artichokes, brussel sprouts, peppers, red cabbage, beets, carrots, kale, asparagus, watercress, broccoli, lentils, peas, garlic, tomato.
Nuts:
Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds.
Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, oregano.
Beverages: Green tea, red wine, coffee, oolong tea.
Dry fruit:
Apricots, prunes, dates.
Cereal:
Barley, oats, corn, millet.
Antioxidants in Supplements
The benefits of nutritional supplements must be known before you decide to take any antioxidants in supplement form. Though it is suggested to consume antioxidants from natural sources, supplements can also be taken under the proper instructions or guidance from your physician.
Getting nutrients in capsule form may not be the preferred solution, however they still provide what our bodies need to achieve the desired health levels. To avoid the negative effects of antioxidants, one should indulge in a healthy diet and consume correct portions of antioxidant supplements.
Excess supplementation can be harmful for the human body. High doses of beta-carotene may enhance the functions of cancer-causing chemicals. Intake of excess Vitamin A can damage the DNA and increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Vitamin E becomes pro-oxidant by increasing cell damage if it is consumed at a high dose.
It can also increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and prostate cancer.
As a known fact, too much of everything is not good. Hence, it is important to reflect on what our needs are, and then decide to plan and indulge in a healthy diet or otherwise resort to antioxidant supplements as a aided form of achieving the end desired result.
Perry Holden, is a web publisher on "Antioxidant Supplements" topics. His latest publications are in the arias of health and fitness. For more information, visit: https://www.antioxidantsupplementsstore.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perry_Holden
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