Many people have heard of the importance of antioxidants but may not understand why these compounds are essential. Found in a variety of foods, antioxidants fight the oxidation process, a reaction that causes damage to most cells in the body. Remember that oxidation is actually a natural process that takes place in the body. However, it may be accelerated by smoking, alcohol, and stress. When there are disruptions in the oxidation process, damaging molecules known as free radicals are created. If left uncontrolled, they cause significant damage to body tissues. This is similar to the chemical reaction which causes rust on bicycles or turns cut apples brown.
The human body does have some natural defenses to combat free radicals. It can actually create certain antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage. However, if the number of free radicals is higher than normal, then antioxidants from the diet are especially beneficial. There are many sources of antioxidants, but vitamins are one of the most common. Vitamins C, A, and E serve as antioxidants in the body. Some minerals such as manganese and selenium have a similar action.
Many foods are excellent sources of antioxidants. Deeply colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, and spinach are excellent sources as well as apples, pears, and berries. There are a huge range of antioxidant compounds in these various foods and research has not yet been able to determine how these various systems work together to protect cells from free radical damage.
The best way to gain protection is to eat foods that represent all the colors of the rainbow. Each color has actually been shown to have its own unique effects. Bright orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots and apricots provide a specific type of antioxidants. Red foods, such as tomatoes, contain another type. Tomatoes, for example, contain lycopene and are one of the few sources of this antioxidant.
Seanol-P, an extract of ecklonia cava brown algae is the strongest antioxidant on earth and it is contained in Marine D3 supplement.
Free radical damage is involved with the early stages of heart disease, cancer, and signs of aging. Anyone who consumes a variety of antioxidant rich foods on a regular basis can reduce their risk of these diseases significantly. As a general rule of thumb, eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is an excellent way to get in antioxidant compounds. This habit reduces overall disease risk and works efficiently with the body to maintain good health.