Alternative Health



Antioxidant power of plant foods versus animal foods





Antioxidants are believed to play an important role in preventing the development of such chronic illnesses as heart disease, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, and cataracts. Although antioxidants cannot completely rid our bodies of free radicals, they can however work to retard or minimize the damage caused. 

But what if there is a way for us to retard the development of free radicals? What if there is a way to break the free radical chain reaction? What if there is a way to prevent those diseases caused by harmful free radicals from developing? Yes, indeed, there is a way. Antioxidant foods are powerful substances that can neutralize free radicals before they damage your body's cells. 

"This is significant because free radicals can destroy cell membranes and damage DNA, and may be a root cause of certain types of cancer, heart disease, and even the aging process itself." The findings of this study on antioxidant red grapes may also help explain the scientific logic behind the French paradox - why the French have less risk of heart disease even when they eat the richest types of food. 

With the possible exception of longevity medicine, antioxidant antiaging is one of the fastest growing segments of medicine. How antioxidant antiaging works As you process food for energy, your body produces substances that are highly unstable. The process is called oxidation and the substance produced is called "free radicals. 

Antioxidant Supplements It's a continuing puzzle even for scientists why people who eat lots of fruit and vegetables are less likely to develop diseases like cancer and heart disease. Sure, fresh fruits are generally low in fat and high in fiber, but it's much more than that. Recent studies have shown that part of the benefit from eating fresh produce everyday comes from antioxidants. 

But that's only as far as repair is concerned. What about controlling free radicals in the form of prevention? Now, this is where antioxidant support comes in. Antioxidant support plays a key role in the defense mechanisms of the body. The most common antioxidant supports are in the form of vitamins, specifically vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.