There has been recent excitement and interest surrounding the benefits of vitamins and antioxidants. They have been acclaimed as the new ‘Fountain of Youth’ and studies have shown they can reduce the risk of many life-threatening diseases.
Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals (including Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, Pantothenic acid, Biotin and Folacin) that occur naturally in the body and are found in fresh wholefoods, especially fruit and vegetables. They are nature’s defence against oxidation, which occurs in our bodies every second of every day. Oxidation is simply the natural deterioration of our bodies, like when fruit goes brown if left without its skin. Each time we take a breath, the oxygen we take in becomes part of the oxidation process, a by-product of which is free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules of oxygen with unpaired electrons that float freely throughout our bodies seeking to re-balance themselves by stealing electrons from normal healthy cells. This disrupts the structure of the other healthy molecules and results in cellular damage. Free radicals are produced not only through normal bodily processes, but also from outside sources such as air pollution and tobacco smoke. All of the cells in our body are continually exposed to these damaging molecules, which many scientists now believe may contribute to the development of a host of chronic diseases, including cancer, premature aging, cataracts, heart disease, senility and arthritis.
Free radicals are attacking our bodies constantly, which means we must be proactive about preventing them. Along with reducing fat and salt intake, not smoking, and regular exercise, eating foods rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts, and leafy greens) or taking antioxidant supplements should help reduce the damage caused by these free radicals. Antioxidants capture free radicals before they have a chance to damage delicate tissues.
Research has proven that taking them will make a significant difference to your health. For example, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, almost 30,000 residents of north central China were given either a placebo or a dietary supplement containing one of seven vitamin-mineral combinations.
Those who received a daily dose of beta-carotene, vitamin E and selenium had a reduced cancer rate of 13 percent.
In another recent study reported at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Session in November, women who consumed high amounts of antioxidant-rich foods such as carrots and spinach had a 33 percent lower risk of heart attack and a 71 percent lower risk of stroke, than women who ate few antioxidant-containing foods.
Antioxidants protect key cell components from damage by neutralizing the free radicals, they have been shown to reduce stress and help prevent cancer, heart disease and sun damage they also aid in the prevention of skin wrinkling and premature ageing. Healthier skin promotes beautiful hair and stronger nails thus health and beauty are combined.
Vitamins and minerals are incredibly fragile it is hard for us to get the right amount of antioxidants purely from our food because often cooking them will destroy their goodness. Exposure to the air or light for even short periods damages most vitamins and minerals. So often we cannot possibly eat enough of the foods which contain these because much of the antioxidants are lost in the process of food preparation. It is a good idea to take supplements in powder or pill form as this way you are guaranteed to get enough antioxidants to ensure that you get the most out of your health.
