How Antioxidants Protect The Body

Wouldn't it be great to have your own personal bodyguard, protecting you from those things meaning to do you harm; a "Secret Service" on call day and night. Well that's possible, at least as it relates to neurological and cardiac health, with a solid intake of antioxidants. There is no need to set aside a security budget, these agents of good health come inexpensively and taste great as well.

All living cells need oxygen to live and thrive. However, after they use the oxygen they give off molecules that are lacking an electron. These lonely molecules are referred to as free radicals. They wander around searching for healthy cells and "steal" the electrons from them. As you might predict, these previously healthy cells now become free radicals themselves. The cycle continues.

Unchecked free radical activity can result in serious health consequences. Considering that living organisms are made up of cells, when too many healthy cells are besieged by free radicals and are either killed off or damaged, then a destructive and aging process commences within that organism.

What can you do to stop this damage? The best thing you can do is take in antioxidants. Antioxidants are kind of like that addition of bleach to your soiled white tee shirts. They put a stop to the invasion of healthy cells or at the very least slow it down. They cannot be found down the laundry products aisle at the grocery market, they are found in the produce area of the store. And they are available in an array of flavors.

There are many different antioxidants but you could say that the following fall into the category of "the magnificent seven": vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopine, and selenium. All serve as deterrents to the harmful effects of cell oxidation, and are readily found in fruit and vegetables. Consistent consumption of foods rich in antioxidants is recommended so as to maintain a formidable defense against free radical damage.

Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin A and in some cases beta-carotenes (carotenoids) include carrots, squash, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peaches, apricots and cantaloupes. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and limes provide vitamin C, as do strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and green peppers. Vitamin E can be found in whole grains, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and liver and vegetable oils.

Selenium is found in fish and shellfish. Eating tuna, sole scrod, scallops, haddock and others will provide plenty of selenium. Red meat, eggs, poultry and garlic are also good sources. Lycopine can be gotten by eating watermelon, pink grapefruit, tomatoes and tomato products. Broccoli, spinach, kale, kiwi and Brussels sprouts will provide the body with lutein.

Your body will love you if you maintain a steady diet of foods rich in antioxidants. That means consuming six to eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day. So get to your favorite market and make its produce manager your new best friend.