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.