The last two years has produced an abundance of research that concludes antioxidants are in fact one of the best ways the body has to protect itself against disease and premature aging. The evidence is clear that adding more antioxidants to your diet is an important way to maintaining good health.
Antioxidants are compounds that promote a healthy immune system and help protect the body against harmful free radicals. It is known that antioxidants act as cell protectors and work by binding to free radicals and transforming them into non-damaging compounds. It is also known that antioxidants can repair cellular damage caused by free radicals. More and more science is uncovering the role antioxidants play in the aging process to help people live longer and healthier. In fact, research has supported the antioxidant’s role in reducing the risk of conditions of aging, such as, high blood pressure, cataracts, and arthritis. There is also an even stronger case to their role in reduced rates of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.
The body can receive the antioxidants it needs from the foods we eat. Unfortunately, our busy lives prevent us from eating the five to seven daily servings of fresh fruit and vegetables needed to provide the key antioxidant nutrients we require. To make matters worse, lutein, an antioxidant that promotes healthy eyes, skin, and protects against macular degeneration and cataracts is found primarily in collard greens, spinach and kale. Not many of us eat those foods daily. Research shows that only 50% of the population gets the recommended daily amount of antioxidant nutrients with abundant sources like vitamin C.
Eating a varied and healthy diet is essential. However, it is likely that you will still need a nutritional supplement to insure that your body gets the full compliment of antioxidants. A short list of key antioxidant nutrients should include vitamins A, C, E, lycopene, selenium, zinc, beta-carotene, lutein, isoflavones, CoQ10, and polyphenols. The worst situation to put your body in is not giving it the antioxidants it needs to fight off the toxins that you fight each day. This fact is even more evident with the shortage of flu vaccine. Antioxidants can truly boost your immune system to give your body a natural shield against the flu.
We have all seen the individual who looks younger and healthier than their years. How do they look so good? Books have been written providing tips to the keys to longer, happier, and healthier lives. The facts are that eating a healthy diet and regular exercise are the keys. Essential to the message of eating right is providing the body the antioxidants necessary to neutralize free radical cellular damage. Where will you actually see the difference if your body gets the antioxidants you need? The research shows that you will have a healthier mind, body and spirit because you have protected your body against a main threat of the aging process.
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