Definition of antioxidantsAntioxidants are chemicals that slow down or prevent the oxidation, within living cells in the human body, that is caused by free radicals. Oxidation, which involves adding oxygen to a chemical reaction within a cell, may sound benign. While humans need oxygen to survive, the effect of excess oxidation within cells is damaging and potentially cancer causing. It causes the normal functioning of the cells to break down and deteriorate, which in turn affects any neighboring cells as well.
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HOW ANTIOXIDANTS WORK AGAINST FREE RADICALS Antioxidants are an integral component in fighting free radicals. The function of antioxidants is to negate the destructiveness of free radicals within the blood stream. The only source of antioxidants is in the food we eat and the...(read more) |
This is why the effects of free radical damage, such as cancer, are known to spread so quickly from one area in the body to another. When a cell is destroyed by a free radical it turns on the body and destroys healthy cells. Cells which become cancerous may need to be surgically removed to prevent further spread of the disease.
Scientists studying the disease are very interested in the cancer fighting properties of antioxidants because of their value as a preventative measure as well as their potential for leading to a cure. As we gain deeper understanding of how cancer is caused and how to prevent it, scientists hope to discover better ways to eradicate it.
FOOD ANTIOXIDANTS AT WORK When food is metabolized it causes production of free radicals and foods high in antioxidants help to stave off the aging effects and it...(read more) |
These amazing chemicals are present in foods we eat every day, making it easy to incorporate them into even the busiest lifestyle. Antioxidant chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, certain teas and even some kinds of chocolate are crucial to a healthy diet in order to prevent the aforementioned damage from occurring. Fruits and vegetables contain the most nutrients when they are fresh, so it is best to eat them raw to attain the most benefit.
Fruits, which are favored for their sweetness, are commonly eaten
this way as a snack or a garnish on a dessert. Fresh fruits can
even be blended into a smoothie for an antioxidant rich, but delicious,
beverage. However, it is understandable that many people may not
find preparing vegetables the same way very appetizing. Luckily
there are other options for preparing them without destroying their
nutritional benefits. Vegetables will still retain many of their
antioxidant properties if they are steamed or boiled, but may be
slightly less effective. Include some fruits in your diet and you
will always get a serving of antioxidants
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ANTIOXIDANT SUPPLEMENTS AGAINST CANCER
Free radicals cause cancer by damaging the body at the cellular level and interfering with normal cell processes. However, many ...(read more)
ANTIOXIDANT DIETS KEEP YOUR JOINS HEALTHY The use of antioxidants was initially used in lubricants and fuels to stop the oxidation of parts they touched. When it was found, that in a medical sense, the free...(read more) |
COMMON ANTIOXIDANT SOURCES
Antioxidants, as a requirement for healthy living, must be ingested from food sources and through the daily use of supplements. Major sources of antioxidants are fruits,...(read more)
ANTIOXIDANTS AND FREE RADICALS These free radical particles are thought to be responsible for many kinds of cancer in both children and adults....(read more) |