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Entries tagged as ‘Antioxidants’

Kamut wheat

30 July, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Kamut is the brand name of the ancient wheat grain khorasan, useful to some people with wheat sensitivity; ancient legend says that it is the grain Noah took with him onto the ark. The health properties of the wheat are possibly down to the fact that Kamut is organically grown and has never been genetically modified or hybridised. However, Kamut does contain gluten, so it’s not suitable for coeliacs.

The flavour is naturally sweet and nutty with a smooth buttery taste. It is used as an alternative to durum wheat in Lima’s Pastas, and in Nature’s Path Cereals (Optimum Power and Organic Heritage Flakes). Dove’s Farm now stock Kamut flour as well.

The grain has more protein than modern wheat and many more minerals too, including selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Selenium is recognised particularly for it high antioxidant properties. A high proportion of lipids means that the wheat delivers more energy to the body than common wheatgrains and it also has more vitamin E.

Categories: General Food
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Vitamin C

4 March, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has many vital roles in the body, and so it is needed in relatively large amounts. Fresh fruit and vegetables all contain ascorbic acid, the most common dietary sources being potatoes, green vegetables, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The acerola cherry is particularly high in its ascorbic acid content as are blackcurrant and rosehip extracts.

What it does for us:

  • Plays a primary role in the formation of collagen, which is important for the growth and repair of all body tissue cells, gums, blood vessels, bones and teeth.
  • Helps to fight off infection.
  • Heals wounds, burns and bleeding gums
  • Accelerates healing after surgery
  • It is an anti-oxidant and assists in the absorption of iron from food.
  • It assists in the synthesis of the hormones of the adrenal glands.
  • Helps in decreasing blood cholesterol
  • Acts as a natural laxative
  • It can aid in preventing many types of viral and bacterial infection.
  • Contributes to haemoglobin and red blood cell production in bone marrow.
  • It can help lower the incidence of blood clots in veins.
  • Aids in treatment and prevention of the common cold
  • Prevents scurvy, the deficiency disease
  • Decreases infection by 25% and cancers by 75% if taken in 100mg to 10,000mg daily dosage, according to Dr Linus Pauling.

It is a water soluble vitamin and can not be stored or manufactured in the body, so we rely entirely on our dietary intake of this vital vitamin. We use it up very quickly in stressful 20th century conditions. The RDA is 45mg and above for adults, up to 80mg for women if pregnant or breast feeding.

Who should take it as a supplement?

Those over 55, those who smoke (each cigarette destroys 25mg); those who abuse alcohol and other drugs; anyone who has just gone through surgery; anyone with burns; those on an inadequate diet; pregnant and feeding women; those on the pill or taking ginseng supplement. Bioflavonoids always naturally accompany Vitamin C in foods and help its assimilation in the body. Therefore the best supplements are those that contain the complete C complex of Bioflavonoids, Hesperedin & Rutin (sometimes labelled citrus salt)

Daily doses most often used are 500mg to 4g.

Check out our Vitamin C ranges on Goodness Direct

Categories: Antioxidants · Health
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The Wonderful Pom Wonderful

4 March, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Pom Wonderful is the only 100% pomegranate fruit juice and is made exclusively from the Wonderful variety of pomegranate, grown in California by Pom Wonderful. Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is all natural, has no added sugar or artificial additives and is made exclusively with Wonderful variety pomegranates. To make sure you get the best product possible, we plant, grow, hand pick and juice them. The juice goes straight from us to you.

The Antioxidant Superpower

Pomegranate juice is one of nature’s most powerful antixiodants. Pom Wonderful has more naturally occurring antioxidant power than red wine, green tea, blueberry juice and cranberry juice cocktail. Antioxidants help your body guard against free radicals, and generally contribute to your body’s well being. Drink a glass a day!

Pom Wonderful 100% all-natural pomegranate juice. The Antioxidant Superpower.

Pom Wonderful

Categories: Antioxidants
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How good is soya?

27 January, 2009 · 1 Comment

Soya is a versatile, nutritious food that offers a wide range of health benefits and does not contain saturated animal fat, animal protein, cholesterol, animal hormones or growth factors which have all been linked to many illnesses and diseases.

It contains all eight essential amino acids and is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids including omega 3, disease-busting antioxidants, B vitamins (including folate), iron and is free from cholesterol. Calcium-fortified soya milk and tofu provide a valuable source of this important mineral.

Many soya foods also contain fibre which is important for good bowel health and can lower cholesterol.

Health benefits associated with soya are thought to be caused by the action of soya isoflavones which are a type of phytoestrogen or plant hormone. Many studies show that soya foods can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. Because the Japanese diet is rich in soya the women suffer less from menopausal symptoms which suggests it may be an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Post-menopausal women with the highest intake of soya foods also have the highest bone mineral density. Human trials in other parts of the world have shown that soya protein may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

The UK government’s ‘Joint Health Claims Initiative’ has approved the health claim that ‘the inclusion of at least 25 grams soya protein per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat can help reduce blood cholesterol’.

Studies from China (and of Asian-American women) indicate that having a high soya intake can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Similarly, a large scale study in 59 countries found that overall soya products did protect against prostate cancer. Evidence suggests that a moderate amount of soya is much more likely to be of benefit to health rather than harmful, both in terms of breast and prostate cancer risk and other chronic diseases.

A great many people ask if it safe to give soya-based infant formulas to babies. Studies on adults raised on soya showed no detrimental effects to their health. A publication in the Nutrition Review found that growth, sexual development and reproductive ability was normal in people who consumed soya formula as infants and concluded that it continued to be a safe, nutritionally complete feeding option for most infants.

Another fantastic bonus is that several studies indicate that soya isoflavones may improve both short- and long-term memory, mental flexibility and planning. This benefit may be restricted to those under the age of 65.

Faye Axford © GoodnessDirect 2007

Categories: General Food
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Health Benefits of Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

5 November, 2008 · 1 Comment

Antioxidants Found in Pomegranate Juice

  • Antioxidants prevent free radical damage. Free radicals are produced naturally in our body and are thought to play a role in the progression of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and premature aging.

Other items of interest

  • One of the body’s main defenses against this onslaught of free radicals is to consume antioxidants that are typically found in fruit and vegetables. Research has shown that the POM Wonderful pomegranate juice is very high in antioxidants. POM Wonderful pomegranate juice was compared to other beverages known to be high in antioxidants, and POM Wonderful pomegranate juice has more polyphenols than all the other beverages tested.
  • POM Wonderful pomegranate juice is very high in antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols are thought to be highly beneficial for optimum health, particularly for heart health. POM Wonderful pomegranate juice has more polyphenols than red wine, green tea, white wine, red grape juice, white grape juice, cranberry juice, blueberry juice, apple juice, orange juice and grapefruit juice.

POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice and Heart Health

  • Antioxidants such as those found in POM Wonderful pomegranate juice diminish the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (LDL oxidation) in humans and mice. LDL oxidation is thought to be a factor in the formation of plaque in arteries, a key step in the progression of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries).
  • When a compound is attacked by a free radical, its chemical structure is changed, and it can no longer perform its function in the usual way. This is considered ‘free radical damage’ and the compound is considered oxidized. LDL cholesterol is susceptible to oxidation. Also, after it is attached, it becomes a free radical itself, attacking other normal compounds and turning them into free radicals.
  • Free radical damage is cumulative over time and is thought to contribute to the progression of many conditions, including heart disease, cancer and premature aging.
  • An additional human study showed that consuming pomegranate juice reduces another enzyme: ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme). ACE is involved in blood pressure, and inhibition of ACE has been shown to lead to fewer heart attacks in patients with heart disease. Pomegranate juice inhibited ACE by 36% after two weeks of juice consumption. It also caused a 5% decrease in systolic blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • The latest published research (Clinical Nutrition: 2004) showed a decrease in plaque of up to 30% among patients who drank 8oz of POM Wonderful pomegranate juice a day. After one year of consuming 8oz of pomegranate juice daily, patients had up to a 30% decrease in arterial wall thickness in the carotid artery, a 21% decrease in blood pressure, a 59% decrease in LDL susceptibility to oxidation, and improvement in total serum antioxidant status by 130%. Those patients continuing the daily dosage for two additional years maintained the benefits.
    Pom Wonderful © April 2005

Categories: Antioxidants
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Chlorella

5 November, 2008 · 4 Comments

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a single celled fresh-water, microscopic algae, measuring between 2 and 8 micons in diameter. It is one of the oldest forms of plant life on the planet.

Fossils of chlorella have been found that are over 3 billions years old. It has the highest chlorophyll content of any known plant and this gives it its characteristic emerald green colour. The name chlorella is derived from the Latin for leaf (green) and small. Discovered in 1890 by Beyerinck, chlorella was not studied closely until the 1940s.

Nowadays, chlorella is cultivated in man-made filtered fresh water ponds. With the favourable conditions of strong sunlight, pure water, clean air, the remarkable algae multiplies at an incredible rate, reproducing four times in twenty-four hours.

Chlorella is one of the most scientifically researched foods and has many clinically attested health benefits. Although it has yet to gain popularity in the UK, it is claimed that in Japan chlorella is taken regularly by 30% of the population. There it is regarded as a functional whole food, rather than a dietary supplement.

Nutritional profile

Chlorella consists of approximately 60% protein in the form of amino acids. It is superior to animal proteins such as meat and eggs, because the body has to break these down into their component amino acids before it can utilise them for its own particular types of protein. Chlorella is considered a complete protein because it contains all 8 essential amino acids

Chlorella is a perfect food that provides nearly all of the body’s nutritional needs. A single gram typically contains the following nutrients:

Beta Carotene 1.8mg Calcium 9.76mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 15µg Copper 0.8µg
Riboflavin Vitamin B2) 0.048mg Iron 1.08mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 0.26mg Magnesium 3.99mg
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 17µg Manganese 19.4µg
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) 17µg Phosphorus 0.22mg
Vitamin B12 1.26µg Potassium 9.27mg
Vitamin C 0.15mg Selenium 7µg
Vitamin E 0.09mg Sodium 0.3mg
Biotin 1.91µg Zinc 11.2µg

Health Benefits

Cancer – Chlorella contains beta-carotene, which has been shown to destroy cancer cells. It also provides antioxidant vitamins C and E and selenium. Chlorella increases levels of inteferon, one of the body’s greatest natural cancer defences, which in turn stimulates the activity of T-cells and macrophages, thus enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat bacteria, viruses, chemicals and foreign proteins.

Cardiovascular health – Chlorella is the richest natural source of chlorophyll, which has a structure almost identical to that of haemoglobin. Chlorophyll cells have a magnesium molecule at the centre and this mineral is essential for the heart to function properly. Chlorella is also a good source of Omega-3 oils, which are known to protect against heart disease. Research programs have indicated that regular use of chlorella helps guard against heart disease, reduce high blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels.

Anaemia – Chlorophyll stimulates the production of red blood cells and is effective against anaemia.

Digestion – Chlorella contains digestive enzymes. It also causes the friendly lactic bacteria in the gut to multiply at four times the usual rate, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. The indigestible shell acts as a bowel fibre, stimulating peristalsis. Chlorella also strengthens the intestine and relieves chronic constipation.

Detoxification – The indigestible outer shell of chlorella binds with heavy metals and other toxins in the body and removes them. This cleansing of the blood, bowel and liver begins after chlorella has been taken regularly for 3 months or more depending on the amount taken.

Alzheimers – The use of aluminium in deodorants and cooking utensils has been incriminated in Alzheimers disease. Regular long term use of chlorella cleanses the system from such heavy metals. A greater supply of oxygen to the brain aids alertness and mental focus in Alzheimers’ patients and those suffering from dementia and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Immunity – Chlorella induces higher levels of interferon and stimulates macrophages, cells that actively protect against disease by digesting foreign substances in the body. Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) unique to chlorella stimulates healing and replacement of cell tissue.

Wound healing – The high amount of chlorophyll accelerates wound and burn healing when applied topically. Chlorella also promotes the healing of diabetic skin ulcers, which can lead to amputation if they become infected. This is thought to be due to an increased production of TNF which promotes fibroblasts, the cells the body uses to repair wounds. Taking chlorella on a regular basis over a long period of time will increase the body’s ability to heal itself of cuts, scrapes, rashes and more serious wounds without the need to apply it externally.

Arthritis – Because chlorella is very alkaline, it helps to neutralise the body’s pH, which is frequently too acidic as a result of consuming too many processed foods and fizzy soft drinks. Arthritis is one condition associated with an acidic constitution. Chlorella also contains vitamins A C and E and Selenium, which together combat arthritis. Chlorella’s outer wall contains glucosamine, which cartilage, tendons and ligaments rely on for constant renewal.

Promotes growth in children – CGF stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete hormones for growth.

Anti-ageing – Not only does it contain powerful antioxidants, chlorella has an abundance of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which are associated with anti-aging.

Culinary Use – Chlorella extract can be added to dough to improve the appearance and flavour of bread and to keep it fresher for longer. It can also improve the flavour of other foods, such as wine, cakes, biscuits, pasta, rice.

Dosage

For general maintenance, a daily dose of 3-4 grams is recommended. If it is being taken to relieve actual symptoms, the dosage should be increased to 5-6 grams. It is best taken about half an hour before meals for the optimum digestive benefits.

Conclusion

Chlorella can safely be taken by adults, the elderly and children aged over two years. It contains all the components essential to life, making it the most nutritionally potent wholefood available. Because it is a whole food, rather than a concentrated extract it can be taken in large amounts with no unpleasant side effects. In fact, chlorella has not been found to have a single detrimental affect on human health.

Jemma Morriss

Categories: General
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All About the Goji Berry

22 October, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Goji Berries have been used since ancient times in Chinese medicine. They come from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet and are so highly regarded by these people that they hold a 2 week festival in honour of this nutritious berry. Goji berries have only been recently introduced to the West and we are just now learning of its highly beneficial properties.

The Goji Berry is renowned for its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, all of which provide great benefits to your health.

(more…)

Categories: Antioxidants · Fruit
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Bio-Xanthin helps beat colds, flu and winter infections

21 October, 2008 · Leave a Comment

The highly potent and antioxidant-rich astaxanthin is known to be an immune system booster and powerful antioxidant that studies show to be 10 times stronger than beta carotene and up to 500 times stronger than Vitamin E.

Which all adds up to good news this winter to help boost your immune system ready to fend off the inevitable attack from cold and flu viruses and other winter infections.

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a bright red carotenoid that it is extracted from the green haematococcus pluvialis alga. This alga contains the highest known concentration of natural Astaxanthin. It is cultivated in shallow ponds at the point where it turns from green to red, like autumn leaves. Studies have shown that the bioavailability of Astaxanthin is significantly increased when mixed and heated in oils. The powerful new Microrganics Hawaiian Bio-Xanthin 40 capsules supplement is formulated with safflower oil to ensure its maximum potency and usability by the human body is achieved.

Astaxanthin and boosted immune system

Studies show that carotenoids are able to prevent infection. Given that astaxanthin is one of the most potent carotenoids, it follows that it is more active in enhancing the immune response in animals and humans than beta-carotene and this immune system enhancement occurs at dosages as low as 2mg per day.

Carotenoids stimulate the immune system. Furthermore, astaxanthin significantly increases the number of IgG and IgM antibody-secreting cells – the ‘good guys’ that spring into action to defend the body when an infection occurs. Interestingly, astaxanthin was the only carotenoid to significantly increase the number of IgG cells – others such as beta carotene didn’t have the same positive effect.

Importantly, astaxanthin can cross the blood/brain barrier and bond directly with body tissues. Thus its antioxidant benefits reach the brain and central nervous system directly and exert their effect deep into the body. Other antioxidants including beta carotene and lycopene do not have these bonding sites.

What is Bio-Xanthin?

Bio-Xanthin is a potent Astaxanthin supplement presented in a one-a-day capsule. Like its ‘sister’ alga MicrOrganics MicrOrganics Hawaiian Pacifica Spirulina 200 tablets, Bio-Xanthin is a food not a synthetic supplement. It is created by sun, fresh water and photosynthesis – not in a laboratory. Thus it is not just the most effective anti-oxidant you can find, it is also in the most natural form that the body recognises and can use. It is cultivated in Hawaii in shallow ponds 20cm deep and 90 metres long and 35 metres wide. Paddlewheels keep the water moving and the Astaxanthin is collected as the haematococcus pluvialis microalgae turns from green to red. The strong sunlight and clear water of Hawaii result in a pure and potent product that is IS0 9001 certified, non-GM and environmentally friendly.

Sources and studies

  • 1.Miki, W. (1991) Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure Appl. Chem., 63(1):141-146
  • Chew BP, Park JS, Carotenoid action on the immune response, J Nutr 2004 Jan; 134 (1): 2575
  • Jyonouhi, 1995a, 1996

MicrOrganics

Categories: Antioxidants · Colds
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Astaxanthin antioxidant is unrivalled

21 October, 2008 · 1 Comment

The antioxidant activity of astaxanthin (asta-zan-thin) is the most potent and powerful nature can provide.

With an extraordinary capacity to interact with free radicals and singlet oxygen, Astaxanthin is also:

  1. far ahead of other antioxidants – including beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and synthetic astaxanthin
  2. 10 times stronger than beta carotene and up to 500 times stronger than vitamin E as an antioxidant.

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a bright red carotenoid that it is extracted from the green haematococcus pluvialis alga. This alga contains the highest known concentration of natural Astaxanthin. It is cultivated in shallow ponds at the point where it turns from green to red, like autumn leaves.

Studies have shown that the bio-availability of Astaxanthin is significantly increased when mixed and heated in oils. The powerful new Bio-Xanthin supplement is formulated with safflower oil to ensure its maximum potency and usability by the human body is achieved.

In nature, Astaxanthin is found in pink/red-fleshed animals including salmon, trout, shrimps and lobster – all these consume Astaxanthin that, in turn, colours them.

It is thought cold-water fish deposit Astaxanthin from their diet in their flesh to protect lipid tissues from peroxidation – harmful form of oxidation. But pink coloured fish are not good sources of this nutritious food – Astaxanthin cultivated from haematococcus pluvialis in ponds is many times stronger and more easily assimilated by the human body.

Why do we need antioxidants?

Antioxidants are needed to reduce the level of potentially damaging free radicals in our body.

Free radicals are highly reactive substances that, in excess, can damage cells and tissues. Free radicals present themselves as un-bonded (i.e ‘free’) atoms. Antioxidants track down or ’scavenge’ free radicals in the body and are able to bond with them to ‘neutralise’ them and render them harmless. In so doing antioxidants help maintain cell and tissue integrity.

What makes Astaxanthin so special?

Astaxanthin doesn’t just scavenge free radicals, it also quenches the dangerous singlet oxygen. In scavenging, the free radicals are neutralised by antioxidants either by donating an atom to the free radical to make it paired or by incorporating the free radical into its own molecule. In quenching single oxygen, the antioxidant takes the energy from the charged oxygen molecule (the free radical) and de-charges it, making it harmless.

Vitamin E, for example, neutralises free radicals by donating a hydrogen atom to the volatile oxygen molecule. So, while it may be neutralised, this new molecule is still floating free. Astaxanthin, however, adds the free radical to its molecule and can actually take two per molecule – one either end. So not only does it ‘de-charge’ the singlet oxygen, it also incorporates it into its own structure thus making it more stable than those that are simply neutralised and left to float free.

Of key importance, the Astaxanthin molecule can cross the blood/brain barrier and bond directly with body tissues. Thus its antioxidant benefits reach the brain and central nervous system directly and exert their effect deep into the body. Other antioxidants including beta carotene and lycopene do not have these bonding sites.

What is Bio-Xanthin?

Bio-Xanthin is a potent Astaxanthin supplement presented in a one-a-day gel cap. It is cultivated in Hawaii in shallow ponds 20cm deep and 90 metres long and 35 metres wide. Paddlewheels keep the water moving and the Astaxanthin is collected as the haematococcus pluvialis microalgae turns from green to red. The strong sunlight and clear water of Hawaii result in a pure and potent product that is IS0 9001 certified, non-GM and environmentally friendly.

Astaxanthin has been shown in numerous trials and studies to be a supremely effective antioxidant. It has numerous health benefits for the human body. In nature, it is a super-food and by taking it in this form, drying and adding safflower oil, it’s bio-availability (it’s ability to be used by the body) is maximised.

Like it’s ’sister’ alga spirulina, it is a food not a synthetic supplement. It is created by sun, fresh water and photosynthesis – not in a laboratory.

Thus it is not just the most effective anti-oxidant you can find, it is also in the most natural form that the body recognises and can use.

Bio-Xanthin is a new Astaxanthin supplement and is available in the UK from MicrOrganics UK Ltd.

You may have heard of this company in relation to its superior Hawaiian Spirulina tablets and powder.

Bio-Xanthin grows alongside spirulina on the farm. It is treated with the same respect and integrity and, thus can be trusted in the same way. If you are among the growing number of spirulina fans, you can take Bio-Xanthin alongside it as the two work in harmony in the body to give different health benefits.

Notes

Singlet oxygen is an ‘excited’ form of ground state (normal, harmless, triplet) oxygen that is typically formed during reactions induced by light, physiological stress and normal immune system functions. It is highly reactive, long-lived and destructive in that it breaks up healthy, stable cells in order to re-establish itself as triplet oxygen. Astaxanthin has a superb ability to absorb the excess energy from the ‘excited/charged’ singlet oxygen, release it as heat and return the oxygen back to ground state. This neutralisation is known as singlet oxygen quenching.

Miki, W. (1991) Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure Appl. Chem., 63(1):141-146

Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules that have unpaired or missing electrons. They are forced to rob electrons from other vital cellular molecules. In so doing they create more free radicals by destabilising the once-healthy cells. Even worse, free radicals tend to target the electron-rich unsaturated fatty acids, the principle component of cell membranes.

For details on trials and studies, contact:

Katherine Selby,
PR Workshop,
Tel: 020 8657 4422,
Email: Katherine@prworkshop.co.uk

© MicrOrganics

Categories: Antioxidants
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Public enemy No 1 – free radicals

21 October, 2008 · Leave a Comment

What are free radicals, how do we combat them, and who is the superhero around here?

Free Radicals are pesky little varmints that lurk everywhere waiting to get through our bodies defense systems. Once on the inside, they will damage our organs and our cells health, and cause premature aging, sap our energy and stamina and whatever other damage they can manage in our immune system.

In fact, oxidative stress (stress from free radicals) is thought to contribute to the development of some heavy duty diseases and illnesses like cardiovascular disease, alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and neuro-degeneration, so this is serious stuff. It is in effect like our bodies rusting away on the inside.

Where do the free radicals come from?

Even the air we breathe creates the free radicals in our bodies! As does exercise. And we should exercise. Free radicals come basically from too much oxygen. Yes, we need some, but too much is a bad thing, and have you tried living without oxygen?
Our bodies are well equipped though, nature knew we were going to have this fight on our hands, but most of us can’t keep up the defense long term. Our modern, western lifestyle doesn’t do us any favours in this respect.

We need extra help, enter our superhero – Antioxidants

Antioxidants are the free-radical inhibitors which prevent damage to our systems by oxidation. They include molecules like vitamins C and E as well as certain enzymes (you may of heard of superoxide dismutase?) or phenols . You can get antioxidants from many foods including grapes (particularly the seeds and the skin); berries, especially goji berries, acai berries, blueberries and blackberries but all edible berries are good; apples; cherries; pomegranates, tea including black, green and white teas; cacao nibs, garlic, and oregano. Organic fresh fruit and veg also contribute here as many have vitamin C, beta carotene or polyphenols. So consume these in plentiful amounts to aid your defence mechanisms.

If you feel your body may need some help

If you feel your body needs a little help there are so many supplements available, or the above foods specially formulated or concentrated to help boost our antioxidant intake. Take tea for example, you can get a green tea supplement which will concentrate the polyphenols from tea giving us meaningful amounts in a pill. More effective than the odd cup of rosy lee.

Do you need more antioxidants?

We should all try and consume foods rich in antioxidants, and as I have mentioned there are plenty around. But if you smoke or take an omega 3 supplement, if you have cardiovascular or diabetes problems in your family you would be well advised to ensure your intake of antioxidants is abundant.

GoodnessDirect

Categories: Antioxidants
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