This is simply because it is a very natural reaction to growing older, slightly more flaccid and collecting wrinkles and extra weight.  Antioxidants are recognized among other things, for their antiaging properties.

Antioxidants are powerful solutions that help protect the body against the damaging effects of aging. They have become an integral part of care treatments and skin care products. In order to understand how they work, you must learn about the oxidation process and the role of free radicals.

Oxidation is a natural process within your body.  Our body cells are being born and are dieing all the time by oxidation.  Free radicals are molecules that appear as a by product of oxidation.  When they react with certain chemicals in your body, free radicals can interfere with normal cell function and cause serious damage cells.

While some free radicals are useful in targeting and damage a diseased cell, including  infected or cancerous cells, they also many times destroy healthy cells and DNA. This leads to a split within its cellular structure, which in turn affects the way your body ages.

The easiest way to understand how oxidation and free radicals can break down cells is seeing an apple or a banana, once it has been opened. Oxidation causes the fruit to turn brown within minutes of hitting the air. In human skin, the oxidation of cells can lead to wrinkles, age spots and dry complexion weaker.

Antioxidants work by binding to and destroying free radicals before they can cause serious damage to cells through oxidation. By preventing damage caused by free radicals, antioxidants help the body to maintain normal its function and therefore maintain a healthy appearance for a longer period of time.

Antioxidants have been scientifically proved to benefit the body in a multitude of ways, including maintaining and strengthening the immune system, preventing brain and nervous system damage, reducing cholesterol and the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as providing a reduction in blood pressure and  they can help prevent cancer.

Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc found in fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts, vegetables and red wine have always been regarded as beneficial to the body. However, recent scientific advances have revealed new antioxidants that were not as evident in the past:

• Bioflavonoids which are found in many plant foods can help protect against free radical damage and help prevent some forms of cancer.

• Catechin is a potent antioxidant found in green and white tea which helps stimulate the immune system.

• Idebenone, one of the most effective antioxidants, neutralizes free radicals that reduce skin elasticity and firmness. It has been compared with another nutrient that protects against cell damage in the body, coenzyme Q10, but it has proved even more effective in reducing the signs of aging.

Although no single antioxidant can protect you against disease and damage completely, antioxidants should be a regular part of your diet and daily use to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect against signs of aging.

Antioxidants are substances found in certain foods that protect cells against free radicals that cause the aging processes and some other diseases.

What are free radicals?

They are “unbalanced” molecules where the atom has an extra electron  that needs to pair up  so they are very reactive. These radicals roam our body trying to capture an electron from the stable molecules in order to achieve stability and therefore has electrochemical potential which affect our cells causing chain reactions.  Imagine an electron from a free radical, pairing with a molecule in our cells.  Once it has paired up, the original healthy molecule looses an electron and this one wonders off looking to pair up with someone else.  Thus the chain reaction is set up.

Antioxidants and free radicals

Antioxidants slow down the aging process by combating the degeneration and death of cells caused by free radicals. Our bodies are unable to neutralize free radicals on their, and this is where the natural food we eat with antioxidant properties help in  neutralizing them.

Antioxidants and cancer

Many studies emphasize the benefits of adequate diets that are rich with antioxidants and act as active allies against cancer. These diets are based on enzymes and antioxidants in certain foods that are rich in these components. The mechanisms are diverse, ranging from inhibition to an active reaction of the immune system in general.

This lovely Mediterranean herb can help fight colds and may help keep your memory in tact. It’s quite fragrant and makes a tasty marinade for steak with just a little balsamic and soy sauce. You can also add a sprig to lemonade for a decidedly unique and surprising flavor.

Rosemary: A Powerful Antioxidant in Your Garden originally appeared on FitSugar on Tue, 01/16/2007 – 3:30am Please see FitSugar for terms for use of feeds.

When it comes down to it though, a cocktail could never be really guilt free or without consequence since they still contain alcohol. Combining puréed organic lemon tomatoes infused with cilantro vodka will still provide a buzz and possibly a hangover depending on how many you drink, no matter the antioxidant count. After all organic rum is still rum.

This healthy cocktail trend certainly interests me. Take the green trend, mix in equal parts organic movement, add a splash of the health conscious living, shake or stir in your martini shaker proving and then we can have our organic cucumbers and drink them too.

Source

Antioxidants and Alcohol: The Health Conscious Cocktail Trend originally appeared on FitSugar on Tue, 07/17/2007 – 2:00am Please see FitSugar for terms for use of feeds.

An analysis of dozens of studies illustrates that supplements of Vitamins A, C and E as well as beta carotene and selenium do not help people live longer. Yep, it is better to get your nutrients from food not supplements.

Not all experts agree that folks should stop taking their vitamins. Meir Stampfer, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, said the new analysis hasn’t discouraged him from taking his vitamins. He believes the studies were not consistent enough to convince him that supplements have no value.

Fit’s Tip: I have a love/hate relationship with vitamin supplements, so I strongly suggest eating healthy, well balanced meals to get your antioxidants. If you feel like you’re not quite getting all that you need, then by all means, take a supplement. Try to eat more winter squash it is really high in vitamins A and C as well as beta carotene.

Antioxidants: Food IS Better Than Supplements originally appeared on FitSugar on Thu, 03/01/2007 – 5:30pm Please see FitSugar for terms for use of feeds.