The Power of
Antioxidants
Your body is constantly at war, every day it is
attacked by a barrage of harmful molecules called free radicals.
These are oxygen molecules that have lost an electron, and they
stagger around your body looking for replacements. In this process
they damage healthy cells, possibly starting the process of cancer.
To offset these free radicals we need to eat fruits, vegetables, and
other foods with antioxidants, protective compounds that stop the
formation of free radicals or disable them before they do harm.
There are many compounds in foods that act as antioxidants in the
body, but the most powerful are beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E.
Beta-carotene is the pigment that gives many fruits and vegetables
their lush, deep orange to red hues. Beta-carotene has been shown to
stimulate the release of natural killer cells which cut down and
destroy cancer cells before they have a chance to cause damage.
Carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, spinach are excellent sources
of beta-carotene.
Vitamin C has been shown to help prevent cancer-causing compounds
from forming in the digestive tract. But perhaps the most versatile
antioxidant for fighting cancer is vitamin E. It not only blocks
free radicals, it also stops cancer by stimulating the immune
system. In addition, it actually prevents the formation of cancer
causing compounds in the body. Vitamin E is particularly important
for women with a family history of breast cancer.
The one problem with vitamin E is that it's difficult to get from
foods. Some cooking oils contain a lot but they're also extremely
high in fat. A leaner way to get more vitamin E in your diet is with
wheat germ. Whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are also good
sources of vitamin E.
In today's fast-paced, eat on the run world; it's not always easy to
get all the antioxidants your body needs. When your diet falls
short, taking a multivitamin supplement makes good sense. Two
excellent sources are Radcol® (Antioxidant
Vitamins) and Vitacerin® (Vitamin
Supplements) the most comprehensive multiple
available. People across the
country are spreading the word as to how effective they are. |