RealBuzz
The process in
which oxygen combines with another material is called oxidation. For
instance, unprotected iron will turn to rust when oxidized, fruits will
turn brown, and butter will become rancid. A similar process occurs in
the body causing it to degenerate and age, and as we get older more
oxidation occurs in the body.
When our cells are exposed to free radicals, this process of
oxidisation occurs. Therefore, our aging process depends on our ability
to protect our cells from oxidation. However, this is no easy task; we
are exposed to free radicals every day, introduced to the body from
toxic chemicals that are either breathed in or absorbed through the
skin.
The body’s oxidative reaction occurs due to the exposure to
environmental toxins that are present in the air we breathe, the water
we drink, the food we eat and the household products we use. And it is
these ‘free radicals’ that contribute to the oxidative reactions in the
body and cause tissues to damage and can also affect memory and mood,
wrinkling of the skin, hardening of the arteries, stiffening joints —
the list goes on.
Exposure to environmental toxins dramatically increases the level of
free radicals in the body, sometimes beyond what our body can fight on
its own. The human body is capable of handling and neutralising a
certain amount, but when the system is overloaded the body’s normal
ability to cope with them is compromised and become susceptible to
premature aging and disease.
Free radicals can be found in the following:
- Junk food
- Refined foods, such as sugar and white flour
- Processed foods (canned, frozen and ready made meals)
- Colourings, preservatives and food additives
- Chemotherapy or radiation exposure (X-rays, TV and computer monitors)
- Drugs and medications
- Coffee and tea
- Hydrogenated and saturated fat (margarine and oils)
- Fizzy drinks
- Exposure to heat or cold
- Household chemicals
- Tap water
- Cigarette smoke and alcohol
Natural antioxidants
Fortunately there are nutritional approaches to protect the body
from free radical damage. Antioxidants are powerful nutrients that have
shown to be efficient in minimizing the effects of free radicals.
Antioxidants are nature’s free radical fighters and occur naturally in
plant foods. Therefore, if we are not getting enough variety and
quantity of antioxidants, these toxic chemicals will destroy cells
leaving the body vulnerable to disease.
The body needs plenty of antioxidants to help destroy free radicals,
to promote the growth of healthy cells and protect these cells against
premature aging. Much of the damage can be repaired in a short amount
of time by simply providing the brain and body with repeated doses of
antioxidants. Eating fruits and vegetables at optimal ripeness and
consuming them in less processed forms without removing their skins,
provides quality antioxidants.
Organic produce is high in antioxidants as well as being rich in
flavor and full in nutrients. It is worth remembering that no matter
how healthy your lifestyle is, you will be exposed to free radicals.
Therefore antioxidant-rich foods are a must to your everyday diet. To
help protect your body, nature has provided us with a wide range of
different antioxidants. They are found in fruits, vegetables, whole
grains and seeds, beans and many other natural foods. The more
antioxidants the body gets, the better it is able to adapt to stress.
Antioxidants can be found in the following foods:
- Whole and unrefined foods
- Natural plants (fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains, beans, raw nuts and seeds)
- Raw foods
- Cold-pressed oils (olive, canola and flax)
- Seaweeds
- Sprouts
- Free-range meat and eggs
Nutrients that reduce free radical damage
The best sources of antioxidants to fight free radicals are rich in
vitamins C, E and vitamins B, flavonoid and beta-carotene. Below is a
quick guide to foods that are high in these nutrients, and therefore
packed with antioxidants:
- Berries (cranberries, blackberries, blueberries) and citrus fruits are potent antioxidants that promote collagen and reduce wrinkles keeping the skin looking young.
- Carrots and apricots protect the skin against sun’s ray damage.
- Green leaves, vegetables, apples, oranges, cherries, beets, carrots, artichokes and strawberries are rich in the minerals copper, magnesium, and selenium; all needed for healthy hair, nails and bones.
- Bee pollen, royal jelly and bee propolis are complete foods. These powerful antioxidants contain 22 amino acids and vitamins D, K and E, carbohydrates and proteins. A human body can survive on bee pollen alone. This is an energy booster and can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Lycium fruits and liquorice flavonoids are high antioxidants which help counteract effect of chemotherapy and radiography (radiation).
- Aloe Vera raw gel (cold-pressed only) contains an abundance of 75 minerals and vitamins including the rare
No comments:
Post a Comment