1Canapril
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Antioxidants in Food
Antioxidants in Food
You may have heard or read about antioxidants and you nodded your head, but really didn't understand how they are important to you and your health. First, we need to understand what antioxidants are: vitamins in food that may help block cell damage in our bodies by toxic molecules called free radicals, the byproducts of cellular activity that can damage other cells or cause undue stress to the body. If not blocked, these toxic molecules may actually contribute to the onset of disease, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Found mainly in fruits and vegetables, the important antioxidants are vitamin C; vitamin E; and carotenoids, the most commonly known of which is beta-carotene. Vitamin C is thought to reduce the risk of eye cataracts, some cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Rich sources are green and red bell peppers (and other peppers or capsicums), broccoli, collard greens, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, oranges and other citrus fruits, and strawberries. Of all of the antioxidants, vitamin E shows the most promise at possibly preventing cardiovascular disease. Rich sources include green leafy vegetables, oils made from vegetables, seeds, nuts, and wheat germ. Just as too little of these vitamins can contribute to poor health, so can too much. People should not take in more than 2000 milligrams of vitamin C or 1500 units of vitamin E per day. Too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, and vitamin E overdose side effects include bleeding. Although beta-carotene is known the best, it actually represents less than 30 percent of the carotenoids in your blood. Research suggests that diets rich in carotenoids from a variety of fruits and vegetables may protect against some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts. You'll find carotenoids in dark-green, deep-yellow and bright red vegetables and fruits such as carrots, winter squash (acorn, butternut, etc), sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, papayas, cantaloupe, apricots, mangoes, and watermelon. If you have further questions about how antioxidants fit into your daily meal plan, consult your physician, diabetes educator, or dietitian.
source:http://www.clickerado.com/a/antioxidants/index.htm
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Canapril
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12/7/2008, 6:06 am
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1Canapril
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Re: Figs are Sweet Antioxidants
Reach for a certain sweet dried fruit for some extra antioxidants.
Dried figs are high in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Eating just 5 or 6 dried figs per day helps you meet your daily fiber and fruit requirements while satisfying your sweet tooth naturally.
RealAge Benefit: Getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements can make your RealAge 6 years younger.
Originally published on 07/01/2005.
more below
Figs are rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which can inhibit LDL oxidation, an initial step in forming artery-clogging plaques. In a recent study, researchers gave fasting participants 40 grams of figs (about one-quarter cup) with or without a sugar-sweetened soda. Researchers discovered that consuming figs raised participants' blood levels of antioxidants for four hours after eating the fruit. Moreover, antioxidants in the figs counteracted the oxidative stress produced by the sugar-laden soft drinks. Figs contain fiber, B complex vitamins, magnesium, and other nutrients. Add chopped figs to sweet potato and squash dishes, oatmeal, and green salads for a sweet surprise.
soure: RealAge.com
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Canapril
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12/7/2008, 6:18 am
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