Disease Prevention with Antioxidants - By: Abdullah Salim

Antioxidants are responsible for the prevention of cellular damage because they neutralize the free radicals in the body. Free radicals are one of the main causes of cancer, aging and a variety of other diseases. Many scientific studies have started to reveal interesting facts about how free radicals and antioxidants interact and how antioxidants are beneficial to our bodies. Furthermore, due to the added benefits from antioxidants in performance and recovery, athletes have an added interest. This article includes useful information about antioxidants, what they are and their role in exercise and other health concerns.

Free Radicals and Cellular function

Free radicals are molecules, or a group of atoms that have an uneven number of electrons and are formed when a weak atomic bond splits; leaving the atom with one unpaired electron. Once these free radicals are formed, they become extremely reactive and unstable. In order to stabilize itself, the free radical steals electrons from other molecules. As a result this molecule then becomes a free radical creating a chain reaction that will eventually result in the disruption of a living cell. To prevent damage, the body has its own defense mechanism; known as antioxidants.

Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to safely interact with the free radicals without becoming a free radical themselves. This ability terminates the free radical chain reaction before it damages any vital organs within the body.

Several enzyme systems are present within our bodies, neutralize free radicals. The essential antioxidant nutrients are vitamin E, beta carotene, vitamin C, and selenium (a trace metal needed by the body’s antioxidant enzyme system). The human body cannot manufacture these micro-nutrients on its own so they must be supplied from the diet.

Vitamin E: Alpha tocopherol. A soluble vitamin present in seeds, vegetables, fish oils, apricots, fortified cereals and whole grains. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is 15 IU per day for men and 12 IU per day of women.

Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid. A water soluble vitamin present in citrus fruit and juices, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kiwi, strawberries, green peppers, cantaloupe, kale. The recommended amount (RDA) is 60 mg per day. In take above 2000 mg per day can cause adverse side effects in some individuals.

Beta-Carotene: A precursor of vitamin A (retinol) and is present in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, broccoli, tomato, peaches, yams, squash, grains, and cantaloupe. Because beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A by the body, there is no set requirement; however vitamin A has no antioxidant properties and can be toxic if it is taken excessively.

Do antioxidants help prevent cancer?

Studies show, lower cancer rates in people who have diets rich in fruits and vegetables. This has led many to believe that a diet high in fruits and veggies contains antioxidants that protect the body from cancer. Many studies are investigating this theory and how the antioxidants interact with the body. However, consuming a supplement of antioxidants has not been proven to reduce the risk of development of cancer by any scientific investigation. In fact, one study showed an increased risk of lung cancer in male smokers who use antioxidant supplements; compared to male smokers who don’t use such supplements. It is unknown whether this effect was due to antioxidant supplementation; but raises the issue that excessive antioxidants may be harmful under some conditions.

Antioxidants are thought to help slow down the aging process and prevent heart disease and stroke; but the scientific data is still inconclusive. So, from a public health view it is too early to recommend the use of antioxidant supplement for prevention of diseases. Ongoing studies will show us more conclusive data on the matter in a few years. For now the best advice for the prevention of cancer and heart disease is to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day and to consume alkaline ionized water that helps to neutralize the excess acidity from the body.

About the Author

Alkaline ionized water provides anti-oxidants to the body that help fight off free radicals. Install a water ionizer today. Please visit: http://www.ChansonAlkalineWater.com and http://www.HealingWaterMachines.com
By Nedalee Ruiz and Abdullah Salim.
Permission granted to reproduce with links.

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