Antioxidants and Your Health

By Glenn Beach

Get back to the basics - eat fresh at home and neutralize free radical oxidation, which is rusting away your body, by eating a variety of foods high in antioxidants every day.

Why? Antioxidants, as the name implies, help prevent oxidation, may help increase immune function and possibly decrease risk of infection and cancer.

A few of the better known antioxidants include carotenoids-- the substance that gives fruits and vegetables their deep rich colors. Apricots, broccoli, pumpkin, cantaloupes, spinach and sweet potatoes, are some good choices in addition to lycopene in tomatoes. Vitamin C and E are also good antioxidants.

What's a Free Radical Anyways?

As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These free radicals steal parts from other molecules such as fat, protein, or DNA, thereby spreading the damage.

This damage continues in a chain reaction, and entire cells soon become damaged and die. This process is useful because it helps the body destroy cells that have outlived their usefulness and kills germs and parasites. However, this damage, when left unchecked, also destroys or damages healthy cells.

Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular destruction by willingly donating their parts to stabilize free radicals. More importantly, antioxidants return to the surface of the cell to stabilize rather than damage other cellular components.

When there are not enough antioxidants to hold cell destruction in check, free radicals begin damaging healthy cells which, in turn, can lead to problems. For example, free radical damage to immune cells can lead to an increased risk of infections.

Your body needs to be able to repair this damage that occurs and protect itself from the free radicals before they impact your overall health. This is where antioxidants come to the rescue, because they significantly delay, inhibit, or prevent oxidation.

Your first line of defence is a natural diet full of a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For all those times when your diet isn't perfect, make sure you have a safety net in place. Think of antioxidants as Rustoleum for your insides! and be sure to have a supplement in your medicine cabinet.

Best of health to you!

Glenn Beach is a poet, writer and home business entrepreneur in Nova Scotia, Canada. Free newsletter, more articles, and affiliate health products you can trust at: http://www.work-at-home-business-opportunity-canada.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Glenn_Beach/700

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8817

Healthy Eating - Which Foods Are Highest In Antioxidants?

By Beverleigh H Piepers                                

If you have been paying attention to health and nutrition, you likely know by now it is vital you take in a good dose of antioxidants every day. You encounter...

• free radicals from your environment,
• from the foods you eat, and even
• from the stress you experience on a day-to-day basis.

All of this adds up and can do a number on your overall health. Fortunately, by eating foods rich in antioxidants, you can help avoid some of this damage. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals before they cause significant problems with your health.

So which foods are best? Which foods will help you say goodbye to harm's way? Let us look at the top picks to consider...

1. Dark Chocolate. That's right! Chocolate lovers rejoice! Eating dark chocolate can be a delicious treat as far as your health is concerned. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than regular milk chocolate, and while it does contain some fat, it is coming from a healthier source.

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants to help...

• combat disease,
• reduce your cholesterol levels, and help
• boost brain health.

So, sink your teeth into a piece. But be sure to limit yourself to one or two squares only: this will help keep your calorie intake in check.

2. Pecans. Another food often overlooked, are pecans. They are an excellent source of antioxidants you might want to consider adding to your list of healthy foods. Rich in healthy fats, pecans are ideal for helping to stabilize blood sugar levels as well.

You will get a little protein and carbs from pecans, plus a reasonable amount of fiber. That makes it an excellent choice for people with Type 2 diabetes who are struggling with their blood sugar.

3. Artichokes. When you choose the vegetables to eat with your meal, chances are good you are opting for varieties like broccoli, carrots, or corn. While these are all nutritious choices, artichokes are better.

Artichokes are one of the foods highest in total antioxidant levels, so are great for combating disease. Artichokes are also loaded with dietary fiber and are a relatively low-calorie food.

4. Cranberries. A delicious fruit well-known for fighting urinary tract infections, cranberries are a must-have in every diet.

Eat them fresh though for best results. Cranberry sauce contains far too much-added sugar, so will not be an ideal option if health is your top concern.

Keep these delicious foods in mind and consider adding them to your diet today. They will all help you take your health up a notch.

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making easy changes to your daily routine, its possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.

For nearly 25 years, Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9915074

Healthy Eating - Which Foods Are Highest In Antioxidants?

by Beverleigh H Piepers  

If you have been paying attention to health and nutrition, you likely know by now it is vital you take in a good dose of antioxidants every day. You encounter...

• free radicals from your environment,
• from the foods you eat, and even
• from the stress you experience on a day-to-day basis.

All of this adds up and can do a number on your overall health. Fortunately, by eating foods rich in antioxidants, you can help avoid some of this damage. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals before they cause significant problems with your health.

So which foods are best? Which foods will help you say goodbye to harm's way? Let us look at the top picks to consider...

1. Dark Chocolate. That's right! Chocolate lovers rejoice! Eating dark chocolate can be a delicious treat as far as your health is concerned. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than regular milk chocolate, and while it does contain some fat, it is coming from a healthier source.

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants to help...

• combat disease,
• reduce your cholesterol levels, and help
• boost brain health.

So, sink your teeth into a piece. But be sure to limit yourself to one or two squares only: this will help keep your calorie intake in check.

2. Pecans. Another food often overlooked, are pecans. They are an excellent source of antioxidants you might want to consider adding to your list of healthy foods. Rich in healthy fats, pecans are ideal for helping to stabilize blood sugar levels as well.

You will get a little protein and carbs from pecans, plus a reasonable amount of fiber. That makes it an excellent choice for people with Type 2 diabetes who are struggling with their blood sugar.

3. Artichokes. When you choose the vegetables to eat with your meal, chances are good you are opting for varieties like broccoli, carrots, or corn. While these are all nutritious choices, artichokes are better.

Artichokes are one of the foods highest in total antioxidant levels, so are great for combating disease. Artichokes are also loaded with dietary fiber and are a relatively low-calorie food.

4. Cranberries. A delicious fruit well-known for fighting urinary tract infections, cranberries are a must-have in every diet.

Eat them fresh though for best results. Cranberry sauce contains far too much-added sugar, so will not be an ideal option if health is your top concern.

Keep these delicious foods in mind and consider adding them to your diet today. They will all help you take your health up a notch.

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making easy changes to your daily routine, its possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.

For nearly 25 years, Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9915074

Healthy Eating - Which Foods Are Highest In Antioxidants?

By Beverleigh H Piepers  

If you have been paying attention to health and nutrition, you likely know by now it is vital you take in a good dose of antioxidants every day. You encounter...

• free radicals from your environment,
• from the foods you eat, and even
• from the stress you experience on a day-to-day basis.

All of this adds up and can do a number on your overall health. Fortunately, by eating foods rich in antioxidants, you can help avoid some of this damage. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals before they cause significant problems with your health.

So which foods are best? Which foods will help you say goodbye to harm's way? Let us look at the top picks to consider...

1. Dark Chocolate. That's right! Chocolate lovers rejoice! Eating dark chocolate can be a delicious treat as far as your health is concerned. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than regular milk chocolate, and while it does contain some fat, it is coming from a healthier source.

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants to help...

• combat disease,
• reduce your cholesterol levels, and help
• boost brain health.

So, sink your teeth into a piece. But be sure to limit yourself to one or two squares only: this will help keep your calorie intake in check.

2. Pecans. Another food often overlooked, are pecans. They are an excellent source of antioxidants you might want to consider adding to your list of healthy foods. Rich in healthy fats, pecans are ideal for helping to stabilize blood sugar levels as well.

You will get a little protein and carbs from pecans, plus a reasonable amount of fiber. That makes it an excellent choice for people with Type 2 diabetes who are struggling with their blood sugar.

3. Artichokes. When you choose the vegetables to eat with your meal, chances are good you are opting for varieties like broccoli, carrots, or corn. While these are all nutritious choices, artichokes are better.

Artichokes are one of the foods highest in total antioxidant levels, so are great for combating disease. Artichokes are also loaded with dietary fiber and are a relatively low-calorie food.

4. Cranberries. A delicious fruit well-known for fighting urinary tract infections, cranberries are a must-have in every diet.

Eat them fresh though for best results. Cranberry sauce contains far too much-added sugar, so will not be an ideal option if health is your top concern.

Keep these delicious foods in mind and consider adding them to your diet today. They will all help you take your health up a notch.

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making easy changes to your daily routine, its possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.

For nearly 25 years, Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9915074