See Antioxidants With An Overview Of Super Foods

By Jay Nichols

Food provides us with organically occurring antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that guard the body and the immune system from harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that take place as a result of oxidative processes such as the burning of sugars for energy, the release of digestive enzymes to break down food and the processing of environmental pollutants.

The term "free radical" actually refers to an atom or molecule that has at least one unpaired electron. This unpaired electron is particularly reactive to other atoms or groups of atoms and therefore disproportionate free radicals can impede with the cells capacity to function naturally. At high levels, free radicals can also cause cell damage which is a issue in many health woes, including age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's and the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other conditions.

Antioxidants work by matching up with the unpaired electron thereby neutralizing the free radical. Antioxidants can also avert the oxidation in the first place. In this progression of neutralization the antioxidant will become oxidized itself so therefore antioxidants need to be continuously replaced. Preventing destruction from oxidation is critical, however, preventing oxidation completely is not achievable because oxidation is a normal process of living and it cannot be avoided.

Some widespread foods that supply antioxidants are citrus fruits and strawberries, which supply vitamin C, orange fruits like pumpkin and butternut squash give us vitamin A and Carotenoids. We get Vitamin E from nuts, seeds and whole grains. Selenium is found is fish, shellfish, red meat, eggs and chicken. There are also diverse phytochemicals including Flavonoids and polyphenols, which are also classified as antioxidants and can be found in soy, red wine, grapes, cranberries and tea. Tomatoes and watermelon provide Lycopene and Lutein comes from dark green vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli. Lignan is found in whole grains like oats, barley and it is also plentiful in flaxseeds.

There are also vitamin like antioxidants including Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Glutathione and antioxidant enzymes made by the body including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase.

Antioxidants are vital to our bodies and our health. In the past few years many antioxidants have become accessible in the form of supplements. While some antioxidant supplements have proven to be quite safe, for example vitamin C tablets, other antioxidants have proven to be injurious. No single antioxidant can guard the body and it is the synergy of nutrients that provides the value rather than the individual antioxidant.

So the top way to get your antioxidants is by consuming a diet of wholesome, nutritious food with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is suggested that we consume at least 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables and more may even be better. After all most fruits and vegetables are lower calorie and nutrient dense and there is no risk from consuming your antioxidants via food as opposed to supplements.

You can often reveal the antioxidant level of a fruit based upon its color. The deep colors of nature supply the highest levels of antioxidants. So have deep purple blueberries, bright red tomatoes, deep green kale and spinach, orange oranges and pumpkins. The more colors you consume the higher your antioxidant intake will be. - 17269

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