We
hear so much about Antioxidants but what are these?
Are they really
that important
to our health? And how can we get them?
Antioxidants
are compounds that protect the human body cells
damage caused by free
radicals
which are considered as significant factor in aging
and developing
cancer
process.
These free radicals are actually sources of active oxygen which are
generated
by normal proper operation of the human body cells and also by external
factors
such as air pollution, radiation and smoking that can cause cells
damage.
Although
we don't really feel it, there's a constant war within our body which
is
attacked by free radicals and ironically, two major systems produce
free
radicals: the respiratory system and digestive system.
What
should we do then?
- We have to reduce the
caloric value of the food that we consume not on the expense of our
nutrition
quality. We should keep our overall nutrition recommended values for
protein, fats,
vitamins and minerals and save these calories which normally source
from
carbohydrates.
- Keep yourself away from
smoke incluing smoked food. When frying in vegetable oil, make sure to
use high
temperature
resistant oil (such as canola and olive oil) and don't fry over a high
flame in
order to avoid oil burning.
- Reduce exposure to sun
radiation. Use high SPF
sunscreen.
- Stay away from infectious
and environmental factors
- Keep moderate physical activities
as strenuous exercise greatly increases the production of free radicals
due to
intensive use of the respiratory system.
- Avoid drugs (medicines) as far
as possible as any medication we take makes some oxidative damage,
because the
body tries hard neutralization and secretion out of the body.
Vitamin
E, Vitamin C, Selenium, Beta Carotene and Coenzyme
Q10 are very well
known antioxidants.
You
can find Coenzyme Q10 in food like: the heart of beef, pork, sardines,
anchovies, mackerel, salmon, broccoli, spinach and nuts.
Most
well known fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants to some degree;
best-known
value grapes, especially black grapes, hops and malt products,
union,cranberry,
pomegranate and even black and green
teas.
Also,
do not disparage the consumption of antioxidants in the
form of dietary
supplements in order to protect the human body.
