Ever had a tool rust? The chemical process is called oxidation. A similar process happens to our bodies over time. As much as we need oxygen to live, unless we dispose of the excess fragments when we're done, we begin to corrode. Some people have said about aging, "We don't wear out...we rust out."
An antioxidant is a chemical that helps keep us from rusting.
Our bodies use Antioxidants to strengthen our immune system,
eliminate waste and harmful chemicals, control blood chemical levels (including
sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides), and slow aging. The clinical
evidence is stacking up so fast, we won't even try to list all the benefits of
antioxidants. Here are some major Antioxidant benefits already proven:
1. Antioxidants help prevent heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure.
2. Antioxidants help prevent cancer by disposing of toxics in the body and
repairing cells...may actually reverse some forms of cancer.
3. Antioxidants help prevent and are used to treat numerous diseases and
infections from the common cold to arthritis...even cancer.
There is really no question...everyone should make sure they're getting enough
antioxidant nutrition.
Here are some aspects of our modern lifestyle that greatly
increase our need for Antioxidants:
1. Diet high in fat, refined sugars and processed foods.
2. Exposure to various forms of radiation (Microwaves, x-rays,
electricity, etc.).
3. Stress.
4. Exposure to viruses and other infections (cold, flu, etc.).
5. Exposure to chemicals (pesticides, detergents, fertilizers, etc.).
6. Exposure to sunlight.
7. Smoking.
8. Normal life processes, like breathing and aging.
Antioxidants taken in their natural food form are completely non-toxic. Each antioxidant, when taken as a supplement has it's own toxicity level and symptoms (see Supplements below).
|
1. Small red beans (dried)
2. Wild blueberries 3. Red kidney beans 4. Pinto beans 5. Blueberries (cultivated) 6. Cranberries 7. Artichokes (cooked) 8. Blackberries 9. Prunes 10. Raspberries |
11.Strawberries
12. Red Delicious apples 13. Granny Smith apples 14. Pecans 15. Sweet cherries 16. Black plums 17. Russet potatoes (cooked) 18. Black beans (dried) 19. Plums 20. Gala apples |
The above list is somewhat useful but too specific. Here
are more foods very high in antioxidants:
Carrots, citrus fruits, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, legumes, meats,
tomatoes, melons. If you're eating lots of fresh* fruits and vegetables
and some fresh* meats every day, you're getting Antioxidants.
* Fresh means not frozen, ground, processed, freeze-dried or micro waved.
Considering our lifestyle, we should all supplement our diets with antioxidant nutrients. Always choose supplements from reputable producers who use extracts of natural plant materials for their antioxidant supplements. Here are the individual antioxidant nutrients and links to toxicity, deficiency and supplement recommendations:
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Vitamin E Beta Carotene (pro-Vitamin A) Vitamin C Glutathione Lycopene Antioxidant Lutein Flavonoids Alpha-Lipoic Acid |
Ubiquinols (CoQ10) Zeaxanthin Selenium Manganese Copper Zinc Organic Germanium* |
* Technically not an antioxidant. Added by Glen because of its support to the antioxidant process.
If you're looking to nutrition for health and fitness, you probably want a healthy life...not just body or looks...but mind, body and spirit. You can renew your mind and spirit with God's help. He can heal the stuff your diet doesn't control. If you want His help, go to Healing From God.
Nutrition Tips
6 Basic Nutrients Groups
Antioxidant Definition
Buying Low Fat Foods
Calories In Food List
Dangers Of Trans Fat
Diverticulitis
Diet-Causes
Drinking Water
Fiber-Fruits Vegetables
Herbal Nutrition
In Defense Of Food
List Of High Fiber Foods
Low Fat High Flavor Tips
Low Fat Restaurant Food
Low Sodium Foods
Macronutrients
Micronutrients
Minerals Good For Body
Nutrition Supplements
Other
Nutrients
Protein-Amino Acids
Vitamin Benefits List
What Is Diet?
Why Nutrition
Important?