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Antioxidants
are vitamins and minerals that choke off the oxygen supply to harmful
agents ( called 'Free radicals" ) inside your body. They are caused
by smog, cigarette smoke, food additives and other pollutants and
toxins. Free radicals are actually a natural by-product of
the process whereby oxygen is combined with our food to produce energy.
They are essential in controlled quantities for vital functions in the
body, but if present in excess amounts, free radicals can be harmful.
Excess
free radicals roam your body like rampaging vandals attacking and weakening
cells and tissues. It is believed that they may cause your body to
age faster. Just as iron nails rust when exposed to oxygen
in air, we too can undergo a process of oxidation. This oxidation
is brought about by these free radicals.
Antioxidants
such as Beta-Carotene ( a form of Vitamin A ), Vitamin E and Vitamin C,
and the nutrient Selenium, have been reported to capture these free radicals
before they attach to vital tissues, thereby helping to protect body
cells and tissues. Each antioxidant makes a unique contribution
as a "trapper" of free radicals. As a team, the antioxidants
help maximize cell defenses.
Eating
a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and taking supplements may be the
best way to fight off free radicals. Nutrition For Life makes
it easy to supplement your diet and gain the remarkable health benefits
of antioxidants.
Resolve
to include more of these foods in your daily diet:
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Carrots,
spinach, broccoli, cabbage, kale, tomatoes, yams, squash, green
peppers and red peppers.
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Oranges,
grapefruit, peaches, strawberries, kiwi fruit, cantaloupe.
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Nuts, seeds,
wheat germ.
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Seafood,
fish liver oils.
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