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Why Do Liquid Vitamins Contain Antioxidants?

October 3, 2011 – 10:14 pm

Grand Forks, ND (PRWEB) December 5, 2005

Antioxidants offer many health benefits. Vitamin supplements offer antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These antioxidants combat reactive oxygen intermediates (free radicals). In order to understand why it is important to take a vitamin supplement rich in antioxidants, the need to understand free radicals is necessary.

Most recall the widely recognized chlorofluorocarbons which were harmful free radicals causing depletion of the ozone layer. This is probably the most familiar free radical that jogs the memory. However, free radicals have been linked to several diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. But what are free radicals?

Free radicals are simply atoms or groups of atoms with unpaired electrons in the outer (valence) shell. Why is this so deadly? Most atoms want to attain a stable outer shell. In order to be stable, free radicals must obtain an electron so that the electrons are paired. Because the outer shell contains unpaired electrons, free radicals are extremely reactive.

In our bodies, free radicals will oxidize the nearest molecule taking the needed electron. The oxidized molecule will then become a free radical, beginning a chain reaction. This chain reaction will continue until resulting in the disruption of a living cell. Free radicals can attack lipids (fats), proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA. However, DNA is a prime target. DNA and free radical interactions usually result in mutations that adversely affects the cell cycle and potentially leads to malignancy. In fact, researchers believe this is how many forms of cancer begin. Why should you take an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from damaging oxidation reactions. The antioxidants can safely interact with free radicals and prevent the damage of vital molecules. Antioxidants are able to neutralize the free radical chain reaction by reacting with the free radical. In order to stop the chain reaction, the antioxidant donates the needed electron. The antioxidants also do not become a free radical by donating the electron, safely ending the chain reaction. The antioxidants are able to do this because they are stable in either form.

Free radicals can be very harmful for the body. Most focus on the harmful affects of free radicals and sources of damaging free radicals; pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides. However, some free radicals can be useful to our bodies and environment. Free radicals are required in polymerization reactions to create useful plastics. The body uses free radicals in the immune system (neutrophils). The body also uses free radicals for cell signaling processes.

Regardless of good free radicals, protection against harmful free radicals is extremely important to good health. The most important antioxidants are vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). The body does not produce these essential vitamins, so they must be provided in the diet or a vitamin supplement.

The invisible war against harmful free radical damage affects the world. The antioxidant remedy can easily be supplemented with a health diet or vitamin supplement fortified with antioxidants. Cancer may not be curable yet but it can be prevented if antioxidants are allowed to intervene.

Learn more about your health and buy vitamins online at http://www.vitaminmaniac.com/provitamintext.htm

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health

Healthy Dark Chocolate and Antioxidants — Give Your Body a Boost?

August 26, 2010 – 9:05 pm

Dark chocolate is certainly not the first food that would come to mind when considering “Healthy”. However, evidence is mounting that the extremely high concentrations of Heart Healthy antioxidants found on the cocoa bean may well provide a much needed antioxidant boost to supplement our body’s defensive barriers.

An antioxidant is a molecule that is capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation process in other molecules.

Oxidation is a chemical process in which an electron is attracted from a stable substance and moves to an unrelated oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can be caused by “free radical” molecules, which by themselves, can cause harmful chain reactions that will damage otherwise healthy cells.

Healthy dark chocolate is an excellent source for providing your system with high concentrations of antioxidants, which can neutralize and thus limit the damaging effects of free radical molecules in your body

Let’s take a look at this cell damaging villain … the “Free Radical”.

Free radicals are not the result of disease or injury. They are created naturally in our bodies as the result certain chemical reactions, such as generating energy to feed our cells during physical exertion. They can also be imported into your system through cigarette smoke and other airborne pollutants.

Free radicals are chemically imbalanced, missing one or more electrons and thus having a ‘positive’ charge.

These radical molecules will seek to balance their charge, and will attract or ‘steal’ electrons from other molecules, including the molecules that make up your body’s DNA and the mitochondria in your cells.

The mitochondria creates the energy necessary to sustain the life of the cells. Damaged mitochondria are weak and have lower energy and less resistance to disease.

The DNA structure in each of your body’s cells carries the blueprint necessary for cellular reproduction and duplication.

When the DNA is altered as a result of the free radical, the new cells that are created are imperfect and possibly malignant with the potential to form tumors or cancers.

Free Radicals are linked as a significant cause of most degenerative diseases, including heart disease, premature aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, and the creation of cancer cells and tumors.

Enter Antioxidants! Antioxidants are molecules that have available one or more FREE electrons. They therefore have a “negative” charge, and attract wandering, positively charged Free Radical, rendering them neutral and removing the threat to healthy cells. This free radical is now chemically balanced, and is no longer a threat to ‘steal’ electrons from your body’s healthy cells.

So, having established the vital importance of having free radical neutralizing antioxidant molecules in your body … where do they come from?

The human body is an amazing organism. Much of what our body requires to sustain life can be generated from within. This is somewhat true for antioxidants; however, dietary supplementation is also required.

Vitamin C is a good example. Unlike most other animals, vitamin C is NOT created within the human body and must be acquired through diet.

Most people are well aware of the importance of a consistent source of vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C is a monosaccharide antioxidant, and proper levels must be maintained either through diet or supplementation in order to maintain a healthy body.

So, what is the relationship between healthy dark chocolate and antioxidants?

Scientists have known for years that cocoa contains significantly high levels of antioxidants.

According to research cited in The New York Times, fresh cocoa beans are super-rich in the type of flavonoid called flavanols, which are very strong antioxidants. All 3 known flavanols are found in the cocoa bean at an amazing 10% antioxidant concentration level.

Another research study conducted by researchers of the Department of Food Science and Technology at Cornell University showed that flavanols in cocoa make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause blood clots. They also prevented fatty substances in the blood stream from sticking together and clogging arteries.

So, simply eat chocolate and gain these healthy benefits? Well, it is not nearly that simple. Any product resulting from the processing of the cocoa bean can be called chocolate; however, very few of these products would realistically qualify for a clinical definition of being ‘healthy’.

An understanding of how the cocoa beans are processed and the type and quantity of additives in order to create a specific chocolate product is essential for determining potential health benefits.

The multitude of Health benefits certainly appears to justify doing some research and identifying a source for antioxidant rich, Healthy Dark Chocolate.

Intrigued by the concept of “HEALTHY” Chocolate, the author researched and put together information regarding what constitutes “HEALTHY” Chocolate. You can download the author’s FREE report, “Healthy Dark Chocolate For Life“

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health

Fat Burning Foods ? Four Essential Choices

June 24, 2010 – 6:02 pm

Did you know that eating to burn fat is considered to be an extremely powerful rapid weight loss technique? The secret is choosing the right foods and to avoid overindulging if you wish to achieve your quick weight loss goals. The old saying ‘you can have too much of a good thing’, is actually still very true. If you choose the right foods but still eat them in great quantities you will end up gaining weight instead of losing it.

The first fat burning food you should note is the controversial nut. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecan and peanuts have previously come under plenty of negative scrutiny from weight loss gurus who claim them to have far too high fat content. Although nuts do have a high calorie count they do contain healthy natural fats known as monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats are excellent for supporting active brain function as well as providing fantastic energy without any negative side effects on your heart. Just be mindful of your portion sizes though. These handy little super foods are extremely nutrient dense, so just a handful once a day is adequate.

Another effective fat burning food which is considered to be one of the best is oatmeal. Simple oats have a hard time on the grocery store shelves competing with the hundreds of breakfast cereal choices available today. However, most of these expensive and fancy cereals contain nothing but high glycemic carbs which only leave you hungry again only an hour after eating them. Oats, on the other hand, are a fantastic source of water soluble fiber. Your body slowly digests the fiber throughout the morning which keeps you feeling satisfied for longer, in addition to giving you a long release of energy rather than a short spike. If oatmeal is a touch too bland for your taste buds, try adding your favorite fresh fruit, honey, yogurt or perhaps a handful of nuts. These natural and healthy additions will add a burst of flavor along with extra nutritional value.

The third fat burning food to add to your list is the humble apple. Isn’t it ironic that many of us diligently persuade our children to eat an apple every day, but ignore taking our own good advice? Apples, like oatmeal, also prolong the digestive process and prevent you from experiencing hunger pangs for long periods of time. They are crave-killing foods which are an excellent defense weapon against overeating and weight gain. What is more apples are a cheap and portable healthy food which is available all year round.

The final fat burning food you should note is actually a fat burning drink. If you have been seeking information on how to lose weight quickly then you are probably aware of the weight loss benefits of green tea. Green tea is full of powerful antioxidants and is an effective metabolism booster. By increasing your metabolic rate your body will start burning fast faster and more effectively. Just drink a cup of green tea every morning to stimulate your metabolism and help burn calories all day long, even when you’re resting.

By introducing these four super fat burning foods to your diet you will speed up your progress to successfully achieving your weight loss goals.

Samantha’s personal journey in searching for effective safe weight loss and fitness methods has resulted in years of research and information in the health and fitness genres. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthy and fit body for life, without the use of drugs or drastic diets.

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health

Best Nutrients For Sagging Skin – What Are The Best Vitamins That Will Help Tighten Sagging Skin

May 31, 2010 – 10:47 pm

Essential nutrients for sagging skin include antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. People don’t really think too much about proper nutrition for the skin, but just like dietary supplements such as DHA omega 3 fish oil is necessary for good cardiovascular health your skin benefits from nutrients as well. You have to remember thatyour skin is an organ as well.

Dietary antioxidants will benefit you internally by reversing the oxidative cell damage caused by free radical buildup in the body, which is said to be why our bodies deteriorate with age. Oxidative cellular damage causes many of the lines and wrinkles that form on your skin as well. Your skin can benefit from antioxidant supplements, but nothing beats introducing them directly into the skin.

In order to receive a substantial supply of nutrients for sagging skin, the anti aging formulas you use must be made up of all natural ingredients. Most of the formulas on the market are developed using synthetics, and these manmade compounds offer very little to the skin as far as nutrition. You also have to be careful about the majority of the products available, because they contain chemicals proven to be potentially toxic or carcinogenic to humans.

Even products advertised as all natural could contain carcinogens and toxins as preservatives, antibacterial compounds, and firmer. You have to examine each item on the ingredients label to ensure that you are not absorbing something harmful into your body. Let me help you a little bit by telling you what it is you should look for in a product in order to give your skin the very best care possible.

You need to look at products that contain highly beneficial natural compounds like Babassu wax, Maracuja passion fruit extract, grape seed oil, and Phytessence Wakame kelp extract. Phytessence Wakame by itself offers 9 different essential nutrients for sagging skin, and it is the only compound known that can elevate your levels of hyaluronic acid by keeping estructive enzymes at bay.

The best products pair Phytessence Wakame with a protein fusion called Cynergy TK, which increases collagen and elastin production. Cynergy TK is also the most powerful antioxidant you can find, so free radicals and the oxidation they cause don’t stand a chance. It is all natural products that contain these ingredients that provide the necessary nutrients for sagging skin.

You can learn more about the benefits of nutrients for?sagging skin here. Or visit my web site now at?http://healthy-skin-care.info and discover proven cutting edge skin care products that protect your skin and slow down the aging process.

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health

Best Antioxidants Wrapped in Green

January 23, 2010 – 7:50 pm

Everybody is heard talking about living a healthy life. But a healthy life these days is as contradictory as a healthy packaged fruit juice. Everybody seems to be talking about the ways to live a healthy life. But the real secret is yet to be revealed. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best antioxidants source. You already knew about eating fresh fruits and veggies and also knew they were a rich source of vitamins and minerals. But you never thought about them this seriously did you? Fruits and vegetables have been a part of man’s life since time immemorial. In ancient times, people stuck to eating fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily diet because they did not have the option of packaged foods. And yes, our ancestors have lived a very healthy life! Our generation lives off the packaged foods. Our diet has been transformed from being healthy to an unhealthy diet consisting of junk food.

There are certain foods that are the best antioxidants source due to their antioxidant molecules. The antioxidants molecules provide good health to the immunity system of our body and thus our body is better equipped to fight with different kinds of diseases. And provides us with long and healthy life! But right now our immunity system is under attack as we gobble up on the junk food, oily food, and packaged food items. Now, you would wonder how to improve your health with the help of antioxidants. The foods that are best antioxidants source are given below. And it is extremely important to eat these fruits and vegetables fresh and raw.

Fruits:

Berries are the star of the antioxidant source. You will find various types of berries in the market but the strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blue berries outshine other berries. These berries are easily available and are a complete source of antioxidant molecules, minerals, vitamins and other elements. These fruits are also rich in color and you can vary your fruit intake by following the color rule.

Grapes are known to be rich source of antioxidants and especially the red grapes. Yes the red grapes are also used to make wines. But the article is not suggesting you to drink wine. Eat these red grapes instead and fresh! You can also drink a juice of these red grapes.

A natural health remedy for cramps is eating bananas. All of us know it, but you must not have thought about the reason behind it. Bananas are a great source of potassium.

Vegetables

Fiber rich vegetables- cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts are some of the vegetables that are a rich source of antioxidants and it has also been proved that these vegetables can lower the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Tomatoes are another great source for antioxidants. But it is said that one should eat cooked tomatoes, as the heat permits the release of lycopene that decreases the risk of cancer. You can use tomatoes in a variety of dishes, juices and other type of beverages.

Carrots have beta-carotene that is a healing agent and works against cancer. Beta carotene can be found in other fruits and vegetables of orange and yellow colors. And it works best when the carrot is cooked and then eaten.

The solution to a good health really lies inside you. You will have to change your lifestyle and incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Sometime our hectic lifestyles means that we miss eating the right foods to get the best antioxidants, in such cases, it might be wise to purchase some herbal supplements as a backup… I’d recommend using an iherb coupon to get the best price available online!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/best-antioxidants-wrapped-in-green-1772121.html

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health

What Are Antioxidants?

January 20, 2010 – 4:14 am

Antioxidants are vital to good health, but fortunately there are many sources of antioxidants that are widely available. Better still, most of these sources, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, are good for us in other ways too. But what exactly is an antioxidant?

Our bodies need oxygen to survive. We breathe in air containing oxygen, and breathe out air that has had much of the oxygen replaced by carbon dioxide. Oxygen allows our bodies to release the energy from our foods, and to carry out all the other processes that keep us alive. Without it we would die within minutes since without oxygen our hearts and brains quickly stop working. So we do need oxygen, but the problem is that it is actually toxic! There have been cases of premature babies accidentally given pure oxygen for too long, for example, and the babies lose their sight. Scuba divers breathing air too rich in oxygen are in danger of damage to their central nervous systems, lungs, and eyes. Oxygen is also very powerful ― which you will recognize if you have ever seen an iron bar rusted away by exposure to the oxygen in air.

When we take a lungful of air, the oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and is taken to the cells where it is needed. When the cells take the oxygen from the blood they use it in a process called oxidation. But oxidation produces substances called oxidants, which are also known as free radicals, and these are harmful to the cells. Oxidants can also be produced by smoking, stress, exposure to pollution, pesticides, X-rays or radiation, unhealthy foods, overly-strenuous exercise, sunburn, and too much alcohol. It is impossible to avoid oxidants because they are produced in the body and taken in from outside, and over time they do produce cell damage, and this is essentially the cause of the ageing processes.

Oxidants, or free radicals, are unstable atoms or molecules, and they try to become stable by attacking other molecules, which in turn become oxidants themselves. A chain reaction is produced, in which the oxidants damage the cells, especially DNA, proteins and fats within the cells, and they can destroy cells entirely. Oxidants are believed to be involved in many diseases and medical conditions, such as cancers, cataracts, heart disease, diabetes, macular degeneration, arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and many more, along with many of the processes of degeneration that occur in our bodies as we age. They are also at work when oils turn rancid, and when peeled apples turn brown.

The term “antioxidants” literally means “against oxidants”. Antioxidants seek out the free radicals produced in the cells and stabilize them before they have a chance to cause damage. They are also believed to enhance the immune system and help our bodies fight off disease and damage. Antioxidants come in the form of vitamins, especially A, C and E, beta-carotene, other nutrients, and enzymes. An antioxidant can only stabilize one oxidant, and after that it is inactive. This is why we need a constant, daily supply of fresh antioxidants.

The main sources of antioxidants are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when eaten raw or lightly cooked. Brightly colored vegetables and fruits such as carrots, peaches and tomatoes are all good sources of antioxidants in the form of vitamin A and beta-carotene (abundant in orange fruits and vegetables). Vitamin A is also found in large quantities in liver, milk, sweet potatoes and some cheeses. Vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C, such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries and tomatoes are also great sources of antioxidants. Vitamin E is also an excellent antioxidant, and is found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, soy beans, and green leafy vegetables. Because vitamin E is fat soluble, it has a special role in protecting the cell walls and low density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) from oxidizing.

Another good source of antioxidants are several enzymes containing selenium. Selenium is found in rice, wheat, Brazil nuts, meats, shellfish, eggs, chicken, and garlic. Manganese and zinc are also found in antioxidant enzymes. There are many other sources of antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10, plant chemicals called phytochemicals, and uric acid.

It is always best to get antioxidants from a good diet rich in a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, rather than relying on supplements. Generally, look for fresh produce, with special emphasis on brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Other good sources include beans, barley, oatmeal, grains, red wine, soy, tea, pomegranates, and many culinary and medicinal herbs. If it is not possible to get enough antioxidants through diet, supplements are widely available, but mega-doses of some antioxidants have been shown to be harmful. You can, it seems, have too much of a good thing.

by Koncay Sazan : Health Market Supplements
More information at
= > http://www.healthmarketsupplements.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-are-antioxidants-1752113.html

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