A great deal of publicity has been given to free radicals and antioxidants, but do you know what they are and how they can affect your ability to stay healthy?

Free radicals are unstable oxygen atoms. As you will be aware, from your high school days, an atom has a nucleus comprised of protons and neutrons, around which electrons travel. Everything is OK when the electrons are in pairs, but difficulties are present when an electron is not paired, as with unstable oxygen atoms. These free radicals steal electrons from normal, or stable body cells and create a sequence known as oxidation.

Antioxidants have been proven to limit the effect of oxidation in the body caused by free radicals, or to put it more succinctly, antioxidants protect you from free radical damage. It is unquestionable that antioxidants shield you from some of the most serious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and many more. There are those who actually suggest that an adequate supply of antioxidants in their diets can slowdown the aging process!

You could fairly wonder where the dreadful free radicals come from, but to be honest they may not be as terrible as you think. Free radicals can also assist the body to fight germs, so it is a surplus of free radicals that is responsible for health disorders, and not a balanced amount.The Importance of Fruit and Vegetables

We are fortunate that antioxidants are readily obtainable to maintain the balance, and clean up any surplus free radicals. It ‘s as simple as ABC. Just think of Apples, Berries, and Cauliflowers, because natural antioxidants are found within the 5 – 9 fruit and vegetables, that you are constantly being asked to take in your food.

Think of 5 fruits and vegetables as a minimum, because apart from anything else, you should get increased antioxidant protection against free radicals from 6 – 9 portions than the bare minimum! Although most fruits and vegetables have an abundance of antioxidants, there are other foods that don’t measure up.It’s Not Just Cars That Get Rusty!

It’s frightening, to imagine that anybody should have to be constantly told how to remain in good health? It seems that although most people are willing to do something to protect their cars from oxidation, and rust, they appear to be less keen to protect themselves, from free radical attack. Undoubtedly the car will soon decline if rusting is allowed to get worse, but our bodies will become “rusty” if free radicals are not held at bay. It’s good to tend to your car, but you should make your foremost priority looking after yourself. A great place to begin is eating 5 – 9 fruit and vegetables per day, and the antioxidants they include.Watch Out For Fat

A high fat diet may significantly increase free radical production, and it is widely accepted that saturated fat is responsible for free radical problems. However, the situation is complicated as not all fats are loaded with free radicals. A sensible way to begin would be to seek to avoid saturated fats, including animal meat, and fried foods of any description. There are other fats, including fish oils, which current studies suggest are actually helpful, but trans fats, widely used in manufactured biscuits, cakes, etc. are best avoided.The Environment and Free Radicals

Sadly, our intake of free radicals is not solely from our diets, but also from environmental contaminants, including industrial emmissions, tobacco smoke, and others. You could not possibly avoid them altogether, although an excellent way to guard yourself, is through a practical knowledge of antioxidants. There are delicious fruits and vegetables, in abundance, to help your cause, but you should be certain that you are getting sufficient, by aiming for the top of the suggested consumption, of 9 portions per day.Vitamins and Supplements

Antioxidant food is vital to your well-being, but if you need extra protection you might consider vitamin supplements. You would usually get all your Vitamin C from your fruit and vegetable consumption, but it’s good to include Vitamin E as well. Good sources of Vitamin E are peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and green leafy vegetables. Of course the vitamins are particularly good if they are an integral part of the your healthy diet. Supplements are available, in a variety of forms, but are best considered under professional guidance.

You will appreciate from this brief commentary, that antioxidants will assist you to stay healthy, by counteracting free radicals. What you require is the determination to make sure there are sufficient antioxidants included in your diet. If you fail to give proper consideration to your eating habits, you will have to put up with the consequences. But, you know, that if free radicals are managed with antioxidants, the chance of being seriously ill is significantly reduced.Disclaimer

This article is only for general information and is not intended to serve as a medical source of information. Please exercise your personal judgement to decide whether antioxidant foods and preparations are suitable for you. Those who are unsure about taking a particular food or preparation, be they antioxidant or otherwise, should obtain the advice of their doctor, or other qualified professional person.

The author does not accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article. Richard Wise writes articles on natural health, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, antioxidants, allergies and vegetarianism. If you require to know about antioxidants please visit his web site http://www.antioxidantsadvice.com which includes information concerning Flaxseed Oil, and many other antioxidants.Logo Design

Antioxidants are chemicals that counterbalance external and internal factors such as pollution, sun burn, metabolism problems and the like. Antioxidants help out in repairing the skin and are an effective anti aging skincare.   How does an antioxidant work as an anti aging skin care? Antioxidants slow down the oxidation process which results to the production of free radicals. Free radicals are substances that could damage the body cells, and the skin cells. Therefore free radicals, results in aging. Antioxidants fight aging through the regeneration of cells and inhibition of oxidation in the body. Since they will be the ones oxidized, the skin won’t be exposed to further damage by free radicals. In this way, aging is being slowed down making a person look as young as before.   Examples of antioxidants are reducing agents such as thiols and polyphenols. Foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and E are great source of antioxidant supplements for the body. Phytonutrient carotenoid is another major source of antioxidant supplements. Numerous antioxidants products have been released in the market to aid in anti aging skincare and there are more to come.   Antioxidants not only promote good skin but also a healthy life. The benefits of antioxidants includes the strengthening of the immune system, lowering the risks of cancer, preventing diseases like glaucoma, reducing the risks of heart attacks and strokes and of course, anti aging.   With the discovery of the benefits of antioxidants, has lead to a lot of products released today that offers great deal of antioxidants and anti aging in people. Since antioxidants are mainly found in fruits and vegetables, antioxidant products are mainly comprised of such. Some the examples of these products includes glutathione, ALA, Deva Nutrition, softgels.   Antioxidants are good for the body it helps you achieve fair skin and great health. You can still get your antioxidant supplements from eating plenty of fruits and foods rich in beta carotene and nutrients if you do not wish to spend money buying antioxidants products. Author Profile:
Get latest anti-wrinkle Products Reviews and anti-aging skin care Tips at www.antiagingskincaremag.com.
More related articles – antioxidants for antiaging, anti-aging-supplements-vitamins-and-nutritionWordPress Autoblog Plugin