Research of Antioxidants for Better Health

By: Tara Smith...

Vitamin supplements offer antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These antioxidants combat reactive oxygen intermediates (free radicals). In order for us to understand why it is important to take a vitamin supplement rich in antioxidants, we need to understand free radicals.

A free radical is simply a molecule that is missing an electron. As soon as a molecule loses one of its attached electrons, it becomes unstable and seeks to re-stabilize itself by stealing an electron from the nearest molecule. This causes the attacked molecule to then become a free radical, and starts a chain reaction. Ultimately as the process continues this can lead to cell damage.

The truth is, there are many common foods high in antioxidants and you should not just restrict yourself to one particular food source. Why? Well, have you ever heard the expression, "eat your colors?" That refers to the fact that foods are in different color "families" containing different types of antioxidants which have different benefits.

Many of the best tasting fruits are high in antioxidants. Watermelon, for instance, has one of the best ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) ratings of any fruit out there. Berries in general are among the foods which are the most antioxidant-dense.

We are exposed to huge amounts of free radicals from pollution, and pesticides. Every time you breathe, you take in millions of free radical molecules created by cigarette smoke, radiation, and automobile emissions. Every time you eat, you consume free radicals in the form of pesticides and preservatives.

An antioxidant is a chemical that reduces the amount of oxidation in your body. They are also the cells that are stored in your muscles to help contain the damage that can occur with oxidation. Oxidative stress is being shown to be at the root of disease and aging.

As we age, free radical levels rise and yet the body falls short in producing necessary amounts of antioxidants to meet this challenge. Today, a great deal of experimental evidence supports the premise that length of life is determined by the crucial balance of antioxidants with free radicals in the body. If you find it difficult to consume an abundance of antioxidants from the recommended food groups, then taking daily supplements should solve the problem.

Pollution, alcohol, drugs, radiation from television, computers and hand phones, chemicals, cigarette smoke and stress generate free radicals in our bodies. Unstable and highly reactive, these free radicals attack your cell membranes. They then stimulate biological reactions that have been connected to accelerated cellular aging. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are naturally formed inside our bodies by the process of oxidation. They are normal by products of everyday functions like digestion and physical activity.

The Acai berry, or Acai Fruit grows on majestic palm trees in the Amazon Rainforest and looks like a purple marble or grape. Acai contains high levels of Antioxidants, Omega Fatty Acids (healthy fats), Iron, Amino Acids, Fiber, and many other vitamins and minerals. The people living in the Amazon region in Northern Brazil, have consumed Acai for hundreds of years and its healing and sustaining powers are legendary.

Article Source: http://www.homesteadarticles.com

With 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and twice the antioxidants of blueberries, the Brazilian Acai Berry(AH-sci-EE) is considered to have the best nutritional value of any fruit on earth. Health Articles
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