nutrition facts

The prefix 'anti' means against
in opposition to
or corrective in nature. In this case
the 'anti' in antioxidant describes the effect these chemicals have against oxidants.

Oxidants
usually referred to as 'free radicals' are produced as a natural by-product of the millions of biochemical processes undertaken by the body every minute. The same life-giving oxygen that supports all the functions of the body creates these harmful by-products which cause cell damage
usually to DNA
fats and proteins.

Free radicals also enter the body through external influences such as exposure to the sun
pesticides and other kinds of environmental pollution. In addition
their levels are increased by mental and physical stress
the consumption of alcoholic beverages
unhealthy foods
and cigarette smoke.

In much the same way as oxidation causes rust on cars
oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. If the amount of free radical oxidation in the body is allowed to rise to an unhealthy level
it can result in extensive damage to cellular components and can accelerate the ageing process.

More importantly
it may contribute to a wide range of degenerative illnesses and reduce the body's ability to deal with other problems
including cardiovascular malfunction
eye disease
and cancer.

Additionally
it may result in a compromised immune system
leading to immunological disorders and a lessening of the body's ability to heal wounds and overcome infections. Some studies indicate possible links to arthritis and similar chronic conditions.
Antioxidants counter these effects by binding with free radicals before they can cause damage. They then convert them into non-damaging biochemical substances
assisting enormously with the reparation of cellular damage.

Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. The most well known of these are catalase
superoxide dismutase and glutathione:

Catalase coverts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Superoxide dismutase breaks antioxidants down into hydrogen peroxide.

Glutathione is a detoxifying agent
changing the form of toxins so that they are easily eliminated by the body.

Other antioxidants can be consumed through the diet. Some of the better known include the antioxidant vitamins beta-carotene
vitamin B6
vitamin C and vitamin E.

Minerals such as selenium
zinc
glutathione and co-enzyme Q10 may also have antioxidant properties
and so may flavonoids such as cranberry
some amino acids
plus organic extracts from milk thistle and the tree known as ginkgo biloba.

A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables provides a large supply of these anti-oxidants
to help eliminate damaging free radicals. The highest concentrations are found in fruits and leafy green vegetables
such as carrots
orange and red peppers
spinach and tomatoes.

Cooking can destroy some antioxidants and interfere with the body's ability to absorb them
so eating raw vegetables and fruit
and including sprouts in the diet can help. Steaming vegetables as opposed to frying
microwaving or boiling is also a good idea.

Antioxidants are best taken in combination
since single antioxidants
such as vitamin E
need other vitamins in order to work as an effective antioxidant. Food and natural supplements may therefore provide the most bio-available source of antioxidants. Natural products from the rain forests of the world are some of the best sources of natural antioxidants ever found. Fruits like the acai berry are amazing the health world because of the wide range and high number of antioxidants they contain
making them a perfect source of antioxidants. It’s no wonder that the acai berry has been dubbed one of the top 10 “superfoods” in the world. To read more about the marvelous acai berry and other natural rain forest health products visit
http://www.natural-health-from-the-rainforest.com/acai-berry.html