ANSWERS REGARDING ANTIOXIDANTS

WHY ARE ANTIOXIDANTS SO VITAL TO OUR HEALTH?
antioxidants, vitamins, vegetables, healthy food, diet, free radicals
Your probably hear it every day, "high in antioxidants," "or rich in antioxidants." But what exactly are they, and why are they so vital to our health? Where are antioxidants found, and how can you incorporate them in your diet?

What Are Antioxidants

I found a definition at http://www.holyname.org that I think describes it best for our purposes: antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging. they are found in nutrients and enzymes.

Why Are They So Important

They are vital to our health because they are believed to play a role in preventing the development of such chronic diseases as Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cataracts. Ok, sounds great but what types of antioxidants are there?

Types of Antioxidants

Nutrients:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• Selenium

Enzymes:

• Spuperoxide dismutase
• Catalase
• Glutathione perovidase

These enzymes are your primary defense in destroying free radicals

Foods They Are Found In

• Vitamin E:Vegetable oils, Walnuts, Peanuts, Almonds, Seeds, Olives, Avocados, Liver, Leafy Green Vegetables
• Vitamin C:Oranges, Grapefruit, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Cantaloupe, Strawberries
• Beta-carotene:Cantaloupe, Mangoes, Papaya, Pumpkin, Peppers, Spinach, Kale, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Apricots,
• Selenium:Seafood, Beef, Pork, Chicken, Brazil nuts, Brown rice, Whole wheat bread

although there are many supplements out there, it is best to get your antioxidants from food. Keep in mind, The American Heart Association suggests, "people eat a variety of foods daily from all of the basic food groups." Moreover, they believe it is better to get the bulk of your needed nutrients through food, as opposed to supplements. We now know that consuming mega-doses of antioxidants can be harmful due to their potential to toxicity and interactions with medications, so getting them through your food is a safer way to ensure that won't happen.