Good Things to Know About Antioxidants

Summary: Nutritionists sustain that a diet rich in natural antioxidants has a very benefic effect on the entire organism. Contained by most fruits and vegetables, antioxidants considerably improve one's health by supporting the cellular activity of the body and by neutralizing the malignant effects of "free radicals" upon the organism.

Nutritionists sustain that a diet rich in natural antioxidants has a very benefic effect on the entire organism. Contained by most fruits and vegetables, antioxidants considerably improve one's health by supporting the cellular activity of the body and by neutralizing the malignant effects of "free radicals" upon the organism. Free radicals are the result of oxidation, a natural process that takes place at cellular level. Body cells need oxygen in order to function properly and use this element in a wide range of cellular processes. However, oxidation leads to the occurrence of free radicals, waste products that need to be properly eliminated from the body. When they accumulate in the bloodstream, free radicals cause a lot of damage to blood cells, perturbing their normal activity and shortening their period of life. In time, free radicals can cause serious impairments at cellular level, compromising the body's immune system and affecting the entire functioning of the organism. In addition, free radicals can in time damage the genetic material of blood cells, rendering the human body very susceptible to a wide range of diseases. Associated with a wide range of internal affections, the excessive accumulation and deposition of free radicals inside the organism can even lead to different types of cancers. If they are not neutralized in time, free radicals can trigger a wide range of undesirable cellular reactions, seriously affecting the organism on multiple levels. Medical scientists say that the main cause for the accumulation of free radicals inside the body is the prolonged exposure to external toxic agents. Factors such as air pollution, exposure to various chemicals and irritants, cigarette smoking and the intake of "junk foods" greatly contribute to the accumulation of free radicals inside the body, increasing one's vulnerability to disease. However, nutritionists inform that the effects of free radicals and oxidation upon the human body can be effectively controlled simply by improving one's diet. Corroborated with a healthy lifestyle, proper diet is a natural and effective means to neutralize the damage caused by free radicals to the entire organism. In order to prevent the accumulation of free radicals in the bloodstream and help the body in the elimination of toxins, you should introduce more healthy foods in your daily diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain products are a rich source of natural antioxidants, compounds that are vital in eliminating free radicals and improving cellular activity. A diet rich in antioxidants can both prevent and overcome the malignant effects of oxidation upon the body, helping you to stay disease free and improve your overall health. To make sure that your body is properly supplied with antioxidants, regularly take vitamin A, C and E supplements. In order to help your body fight against free radicals, you should also take mineral supplements that contain powerful antioxidants such as Selenium, Zinc and Manganese.