!44: Find Out Why Antioxidants Are A Must For Good Health

!±8± Find Out Why Antioxidants Are A Must For Good Health

Have you heard the term free radicals? No I don't mean people who have a radical freedom agenda.

Free radicals are molecules that split and become unpaired electrons. Free radicals are very unstable they will attack the nearest stable molecule stealing its electron, when the stable molecule loses it's electron it also becomes a free radical and a chain reaction occurs. When this chain reaction gets going it will result in damage to a living cell. To put this in more straight forward language, let's say you are exposed to toxic environmental pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, pesticides, preservatives or many other harmful compounds which we are all exposed to in this modern toxic world. If you have a healthy body with a strong immune system and you are getting plenty of antioxidants into your body and onto your skin your body can stop this potential chain reaction of free radicals. On the other hand if you don't get enough antioxidants in your diet and you eat a lot of foods with preservatives and other chemical additives. Say you use skin care products that are filled with synthetic chemical ingredients and you are exposed to environmental toxicity, which we all are (whether we know it or not) then our bodies can't fight the free radicals and our cells break down. Cancer is one result as well as a host of other serious diseases and health issues inside and outside your body.

Antioxidants Neutralize Free Radicals

The vitamins C and E as well as other compounds found in many different fruits and vegetables have antioxidants. These antioxidants work to neutralize the free radical action and act as scavengers preventing tissue and cell damage. Without a steady supply of antioxidants you stand a good chance of experiencing free radical damage. This can be from skin conditions to cancer and other very serious issues. Unfortunately the modern western diet lacks antioxidants. Highly processed refined foods, overly cooked foods, food made with synthetic ingredients all are low or devoid of much needed antioxidants.

It is not a given that you will get enough antioxidants from your normal everyday diet. It may be important for you to seek out the specific foods that are know to be high in antioxidants. Another way to be sure to get enough antioxidants is to add a supplement to your daily diet that contains a high level of antioxidants.

Your skin is your first line of defense when it comes to environmental toxins in the air and water.

We are currently living in a world that is very toxic. We can't see all the toxic pollution in the air but believe me it's all around, especially in cities. Because your skin is the largest and most exposed organ of your body it can take a big hit in free radical damage. Making sure to use skin care products that are rich in antioxidants on a daily basis will help to prevent skin cancer and other skin related conditions.

It's not enough these days to just use any ole moisturizer or to use potentially harmful sun screen or block. Many of these products can do more harm that good, unless they are clearly organic and made from natural ingredients. Unfortunately profit is seen as more important than your ultimate health and wellbeing by a lot of product manufacturers. Being a discriminating buyer is more important than ever.

All antioxidants are not created equal.

Doing your due diligence and educating yourself about the best sources for antioxidants is important. There are some very clearly powerful antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, pomegranates, citrus and a host of exotic rainforest plants that are being concentrated and consumed as supplements. Sticking to whole foods and whole food supplements as your main source of antioxidants is the best approach for your body to utilize antioxidants.

The antioxidant challenge is a matter of life and death when you consider how much potential there is today to damage your immune system and end up with a life threatening disease. Make sure you consume a lot of raw fruits, vegetables, be sure they are organic if possible. Consider getting some high quality organic high antioxidant supplements to eat each day.