We hear a lot about antioxidants, and how important they are for our health, but what are antioxidants and what do they do for our bodies? Our cells go through the natural oxidation process, in which we need a breakdown of that process, to understand the need for antioxidants.
The Oxidation Process
The oxidation process happens when cells of any type interact with oxygen, causing a change in the cells. This is an everyday normal process, and a good example would be when you cut yourself. The oxidized cells will die, and new cells are regenerated thus healing the wound. Your body is continuously going through oxidation, but must keep it under control, in order not to produce damaged cells which are commonly known as “free radicals” ,that can create problems to your health. This is why, antioxidants are needed in your daily diet. They help keep the free radicals under control.
The Harm Free Radicals Cause
The free radicals attack good cells causing DNA damage, which creates mutated cells. These mutated cells, can open the door for disease. A healthy diet with natural foods, that have the antioxidants, is the key needed to keep these free radicals under control. Outside sources, such as, cigarette smoke, pesticides in our water and food, air pollution, alcohol abuse, and over-exposure to the sun, all can generate free radicals. Continuous exposure to these outside toxins will create deadly free radicals, starting a chain reaction. Just one free radical can cause the production of many. Your body can build its defense team with a variety of different antioxidants, working together, to stop the chain reaction.
Our Body’s Need for Antioxidants - Antioxidants are a combination of nutrients and enzymes.
The nutrients, are vitamins and minerals such as:
· Vitamin C
· Vitamin E
· Beta-carotene
· Selenium
· Manganese
· Zinc
the enzymes are proteins such as:
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
· Catalase (CAT)
· Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx)
Each one of these nutrients and enzymes, with their antioxidant power, have their specific role in stopping the chain reaction of free radicals. There are also secondary antioxidants, to help prevent the free radicals from continuing on their path of destruction. This is why it is very important that your diet includes foods with antioxidants. Once the antioxidant has done its job, it too becomes oxidized so you must continue to replenish your body with natural antioxidants.
There are different sources of healthy food to get the different antioxidants your body needs, such as fruits and vegetables. One of the best sources, is the goji berry. This berry is packed full of many different nutrients, to help the body rid itself of free radicals, and to help prevent diseases. The best way to get the antioxidants your body needs, is through natural foods, such as goji berries ; not a supplemental pill. Researchers have found the possibility of your body getting an overload of certain nutrients when taking supplements along with your diet. Too much of a good thing can be harmful to your body. This is why it is much better to get the antioxidants you need through a natural healthy diet.
