.jpg)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Health Benefits of Antioxidants Abound
To understand the health benefits of antioxidants one almost needs to return to his or her high school chemistry classroom where the basics of atoms, neutrons, and electrons were taught.
For its only by returning to the molecular level of understanding, where electrically charged electrons trigger chemical reactions that bond atoms into molecules, where we can grasp the concept of unhealthy free radicals that can be held in check by the consumption of antioxidants.
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of the process in which human body cells release oxygen: a process in which weak molecular bonds are broken; electron counts left unstable and uneven; and free radical electrons left roaming, eager to bond with any molecule they can “steal” electrons from.
Free radicals also are caused by environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides.
Facts, statistics, and other minutia concerning antioxidants include the following.
High antioxidant foods include:
* FRUITS … Berries (cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, crowberry, blueberry, bilberry/wild blueberry, black currant,) pomegranate, grape, orange, plum, pineapple, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, cantaloupe, lime, tomato
* VEGETABLES … Kale, chili pepper, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichoke, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lemon, ginger, red beets, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes
* DRY FRUITS … Apricots, prunes, dates
* LEGUMES … Broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans
* NUTS AND SEEDS … Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, ground nut, sunflower seeds
* CEREALS … Barley, millet, oats, corn
* SPICES … Cloves, cinnamon, oregano
* MEATS … Fish, shellfish, red meat, chicken
* OTHER FOODS EXTREMELY HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS … Acai berries, unprocessed cacao powder
Because free radicals are thought to be a major cause of many aspects of poor health, the high consumption of antioxidants to combat those free radicals is encouraged by most doctors. If one is to meet the average person’s antioxidant needs on a daily basis through the consumption of fruits and vegetables, it’s recommended that a person eat from five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Negative health conditions caused at least in part by free radicals that, according to 21st Century health practices, a steady diet of antioxidants could help deter, include:
* Cancer; especially mouth, larynx, and esophagus cancer
* Heart disease; where antioxidants can reduce damage caused by bad cholesterol and artery-clogging plaque
* Obesity
* DNA damage
* Lack of energy and stamina
* Weakened immune systems
One of the world’s least known fruits that’s off the charts in its antioxidant content is the Acai berry, mainly raised in Brazil.
It’s no surprise that Jiu-jitsu fighters and soccer players from Brazil regularly eat large meals of acai berry pulp before competing in strenuous athletic competitions. Not only a major source of nutrition and carbohydrates, the antioxidant properties in the berries generate huge increases in energy levels and stamina.
But it’s not the acai berries or unprocessed cacao that’s the true key to a better life, but the health benefits of antioxidants contained within those and other foods.
By Rocky Wilson author of Sharene -- Death: A Prerequisite For Life
Great article indeed.The Acai berry gives those who drink it a long lasting energy boost, cancer fighting abilities, more youthfulness and better feeling, and helps to lower your cholesterol. The Acai berry does it all. But does the Acai berry have side effects because all this seems way too good to be true. There has been no evidence to date about any acai side effectson the body. The only thing I would be worried about is if I purchased an Acai supplement in pill form. There could be additional ingredients, besides Acai that might have side effects. Looking forward to see more articles like this from you.
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right that it is important to know what exactly is in a product that one is taking. That is exactly why we recommend checking out the ingridients of the healthy chocolate products that we endorse.
ReplyDelete