Arm Yourself with Antioxidants

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away", not anymore. Today we need to arm our bodies with antioxidants everyday to keep the doctor away. It's kind of a new "buzz" word in the nutrition/health world because you see it plastered on food labels all over the grocery store. But don't under estimate the it's disease prevention benefits.

Antioxidant Definition

If "anti" means against, then the word antioxidant means that these are the "good guys" that fight against oxidation which is caused by free radicals. By flooding our body with enough of these "good guys", they can neutralize free radicals by donating electrons to all the unstable molecules (free radicals) in the body.

Antioxidants provide a powerhouse of protection because:

they prevent free radicals from even forming

they find the unstable molecules before they cause any damage

they repair the molecules that have already become damaged.

Antioxidant Foods Are Healthy Choices

There is good reason why our grandparents told us to eat our fruits and vegetables, they used to provide the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy.

The USDA guidelines recommend 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. When choosing foods high in antioxidants choose fruits and vegetables from a good color spectrum.

Bright, vibrant colored fruits are generally the best. Berries of all types top the list followed by cherries, grapes, kiwi, pomegranate, prunes and plums. Touted as the Top Super Food by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the powerhouse, acai berry is loaded with antioxidants. Deep and brightly colored vegetables like artichokes, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant,kale, red pepper and sweet potatoes are all good healthy choices. But the honors in this category go to the legumes, red, black, pinto and kidney beans!

Other notable mentions are herbs, spices, chocolate, teas and nuts.

ORAC Scores

When you start learning about antioxidants, you'll hear about ORAC scores. ORAC is an acronym for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity. Scientists have created a test to determine the free radical scavaging activity of substances. Generally, the higher the score the better the food choice. Just be aware of the unit of measurement if you are comparing foods and supplements. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples. For more information on this subject go to oracwatch.org.

Benefits of Antioxidants Against Disease

Scientists believe rampant free radical activity is linked to many diseases including, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Our lifestyle and the American diet has changed over the last several decades and its evident by a rise in diseases, especially in young adults. When taking health histories, doctors and dentists are alarmed at the number of young adults that are on medication for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Antioxidants are also important for good eye-health, learn more here.

What Can You Do?

Take a proactive approach.

Start making healthy choices when you eat. Make sure your diet is rich in colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. If you don't like them, consider drinking an acai berry drink.

Next, determine to make some lifestyle changes. Start an exercise program or stop a bad habit. Gradual changes will make for an easier transition and longevity.

Lastly, get assertive, educate yourself on how to improve your health. If you don't have your health, what's left?

To Stay Young And Healthy Aim To Eat Pure Organic Health Food (The link to this site will open a new window)

Go To Healthy Choices For Life Home Page.

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