Antioxidants Can Save Your Life
Antioxidants help prevent the onslaught of aging, diseases and even cancer. These things are the result of cellular damage caused by free radicals. Without antioxidants blocking the way, free radicals can create a destructive chain reaction inside our bodies that can accelerate the aging process and spread diseases.
Free radicals are caused when an atom loses one of its two electrons. The abandoned electron seek to replace its lost partner. To do this, it must steal an electron from another atom, creating another free radical. Eventually, a chain reaction occurs, causing cellular damage.
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and prevent their spreading throughout the body. By terminating the free radical chain reaction, antioxidants can reduce the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. Scientists are even testing their impact on Alzheimer’s disease and other brain-degenerative conditions.
Experts debate about which antioxidants are most effective for neutralizing free radicals. Vitamins C and E are common and are available from citrus fruits, green vegetables and nuts. Carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene can be found in red fruits, carrots and spinach. Flavonoids are found in an assortment of foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, grapes, apples, nuts and onions.
Your body cannot store antioxidants, so your diet should include foods that are rich in them. While research is ongoing regarding their effects on our body and the role they play in preventing diseases, they are already present in the foods you should be eating. As long as you are enjoying a healthy, balanced diet, your body is already benefiting from antioxidants.
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