How Anti-oxidants Reduce Free Radicals (by Natucor)

Info Source: http://www.natucor.com/articles/How-Antioxidants-Reduce-Free-Radicals.html

Free radicals, those harmful elements that effect body tissue in the same manner as corrosion and oxidation effect certain metals, are much talked about in modern health prevention circles.

These elements, which are virtually everywhere and cause body tissue to slow down cell reproduction – and even die altogether – are one of the prime factors for that process known as aging.

Numerous health studies have found that the aging process in animals and human beings is largely caused by the body having less protective elements, known as antioxidants, which protect the body from the aging process.

In our modern, fast food oriented and polluted world, people tend to age faster if they do not eat the proper foods, and take vitamin supplements which help to reduce the effects of free radicals, many of which are found in the very air we breathe.

Anti-oxidants are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as in fish products. The most well known of these are the vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C, otherwise known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most common and effective antioxidants; and regular daily intake of vitamin C is also known to be effective against viruses such as the common cold.

Just as a few squirts of lemon juice will prevent a peeled apple of half an avocado from turning brown (i.e. oxidizing), vitamin C will help you body fight free radicals as well. Vitamin E, an important antioxidant, is found to prevent body skin cells from aging.

As vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and many kinds of fresh leafy vegetables, vitamin E is found in many vegetable oils, including wheat germ, walnut and hazelnut, soy, peanut, and olive oils.
Tomatoes (photo) are an excellent source of antioxidants, and include several beneficial vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.

General diet, including reduction of fatty foods and carbohydrates also contributes toward reduction in body tissue damage from free radicals.

By consuming less animal proteins and fats, and substituting them with more whole grains and fresh, raw vegetables and fruits, the end result can be a great reduction in the aging process.

A lot of health care products companies are promoting special dietary supplements to give people an increase in antioxidants. While these products may contribute toward slowing down the aging process they often are very expensive and can run into the hundreds of dollars per month.

By eating a more wholesome diet and taking a good multivitamin supplement, one can achieve the same result at a fraction of the cost. Red wine and green tea are also excellent sources of antioxidants.

Finally, with changes in our environment due to ozone layer depletion, we must all be very careful to avoid exposure to one of the greatest sources of free radicals – the sun. While some exposure to the sun's warming rays is beneficial, especially in obtaining vitamin D (for stronger bones and teeth), too much exposure will cause premature aging more rapidly, as well as increasing the risk of contracting melanoma or skin cancer.

Free radicals can be combated. You just have to have the proper 'ammunition'

Antioxidants and Free radicals (by MedlinePlus)

Info Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/antioxidants.html

Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals.

Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation.

Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Antioxidant substances include:

Beta-carotene
Lutein
Lycopene
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Antioxidants are found in many foods. These include fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, and some meats, poultry and fish.

Antioxidants to Protect Your Body (from webmd.com)

Another important substance in the fight against colorectal and other cancers is the antioxidant. Antioxidants work by bolstering the body's defenses against potentially dangerous substances called free radicals.

Free radicals are one of the by-products of oxygen use by every cell in our body. These substances damage the body's cells through oxidation, the same process that rusts metal and turns butter rancid. Oxidation has also been shown to contribute to heart disease, cataracts, aging, and infections.

The body's cells have a natural defense strategy against free radicals and are often able to repair the damage caused by them. However antioxidants, such as selenium and beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), help reinforce this protection. Studies have suggested that antioxidants are best taken as foods as opposed to supplements.

Eat foods that are good sources of vitamin A and C, such as all fruits and vegetables, and vitamin E which is found in foods including wheat germ, nuts, and seeds. Good sources of selenium include seafood, meat, and cereals.

Info Source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/eating-good-health