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What are free radicals? Why
are they damaging to the human body? And how does vitamin E
and the other antioxidant nutrients help protect the body
against free
radical damage?
If you want the health
benefits of antioxidants but find that some fruits and
vegetables are simply not to your liking, then do a little
antioxidant comparison chart of foods.
You are probably familiar
with antioxidants and how they can benefit the body. But if
you are asked to define antioxidants, would you be able to
come up with the answer? You probably have the general idea
but to precisely define antioxidants is another thing.
During normal metabolic
functions, highly reactive compounds called free radicals
are created in the body. However, free radicals may also be
introduced from the environment.
Antioxidants are advertised
by many but few ever have the whole range of antioxidants
that your body needs. Antioxidants are those chemical
substances naturally found in plants. They serve as your
first line of defense against illness and aging.
Are you always tired? Do
you run out of energy before you run out of day? Do you work
long hours? If your answers are in the affirmative then what
you need is antioxidant polyphenois.
Ever since scientists first
discovered the significant link between degenerative
diseases and the presence of free radicals in the body,
masses of antioxidant research has occupied the scientific
community.
Free radicals are a natural
consequence of oxidation – that vital process that allows
our body to function normally. Free radicals actually play
an important role in a number of biological processes, some
of which are necessary for life, such as intracellular
killing of bacteria by neutrophil granulocytes.
We all know that we need
oxygen to live. In fact, oxygen is what we euphemistically
call “the breath of life.” But research has now
established an astounding fact. The very thing that keeps us
alive is the very same thing that’s killing us. Are you
properly shocked now?
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