Antioxidants are simply a group of many vitamins and other nutrients who’s job it is to reduce free radical growth, or even stop it. Antioxidants are thought to be our strongest defense against free radical damage and even the aging process.

More About Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are molecules that circulate in the blood stream and combat debris that is left in the body after any inflammatory process has occurred or any other breaking down in the body’s metabolic process. Antioxidants help prevent and repair oxidative stress, caused by free radicals, a process that damages cells within the body and has been linked to the development of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Free Radicals:

Free-radicals essentially damage cells, much as rust on a car, and taking antioxidants is a bit like using a primer on your car body to prevent rust.radicals. Free radicals are implicated in numerous diseases. What is more, the aging process itself is driven by excess free radicals. Free radicals attack cells and increase the risk of serious or even fatal diseases such as cancer, heart problems, stroke and neurological disease.

Free radicals are species that contain an unpaired electron. This unpaired electron makes them, in general, a highly reactive and damaging species. They can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes.

Free radicals try to steal or give electrons to other molecules, thereby changing their chemical structure. Free radicals are unstable, chemically incomplete substances. To gain stability, free radicals react quickly with other molecules by attacking the nearest stable molecule and stealing its electron. They are highly reactive, damaging chemicals in the body such as enzymes, and making them less effective.

Dietary Antioxidants

Dietary antioxidants are considered beneficial because they slow the chemical process of oxidation, which causes problems such as cholesterol deposits and narrowing of the arteries that can lead to various heart-related problems. Diets heavy in processed foods are low in antioxidants and can be high in free-radicals.

Fruits and vegetables contain many different antioxidant nutrients. Some of them, like onions, have dozens of different antioxidant compounds all on their own, many of which have never been identified or isolated. Fruits, vegetables and many plant based foods are awesome sources of these antioxidants, which include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene the family friend of our own vitamin A and some other things like carotenoids.

Nuts and seeds are all high in healthy fatty acids and are high in antioxidants as well. Things such as flaxseed, buckwheat, nettle, pecans and walnuts are very good for you and have great antioxidant qualities. Nutrients that act as antioxidants include vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, selenium and carotenoids. The best source of antioxidant-rich foods is the brightly colored varieties of fruits and vegetables, and you should include a full spectrum in your daily diet. Nutrition experts agree, “more matters” when it comes to eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, nutritionists are learning that a healthy diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies may help with weight management and may even reduce the risk of some cancers, diabetes and other diseases.

Tumeric—Antioxidant

Tumeric is a natural antioxidant, and thus protects the body from oxidative damage. Laboratory studies have found that turmeric can inhibit the development of cataracts, breast cancer, colon cancer, and lymphoma. In one study, smokers that took just 1 teaspoon of tumeric a day for 30 days had lower levels of cancer-causing mutagens. Tumeric is warming and analgesic for rheumatism and any painful, “cold” joint condition. It is also a wonderful digestive aid, and reduces excess fluid.

Tomatoes — Antioxidant

Tomatoes are mainly water and are very low in calories, which is excellent if you are trying to lose weight. This natural antioxidant food is a good source of vitamin C and the essential antioxidant alpha-lipoic-acid . Tomatoes can help ward off certain kinds of cancer, help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, and help maintain mental function as we age. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a relatively rare member of the carotenoid family, also found in pink grapefruit and twice as powerful as beta-carotene. Tomato eaters function better mentally in old age and suffer half as much heart disease. Concentrated tomato sauces (found on pizza and in pasta sauces) have five times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes and canned tomatoes have three times more than fresh.

Garlic– Antioxidant

Measurements of total serum antioxidants were taken from diabetic and hypertensive rats before and after having been treated with garlic. The researchers found that the serum levels of antioxidants had increased significantly in both groups of rats just three weeks after treatment.[10] Measurements of nitric oxide levels after garlic administration showed a two-fold increase, relative to placebo, while administration of both garlic and vitamin C resulted in a three-fold increase, relative to the control. [11]

Astragalus– Antioxidant

Astragalus is an herbal tonic/food with over 2,000 years of safe use history. It contains a wide variety of both conventional (amino acids, minerals, etc.) and non-conventional (flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, sterols, etc.) nutrients. Astragalus is recommended as a tonic for the elderly. It protects cells from the aging process and may diminish other negative effects of aging. Astragalus is usually considered to be an immune enhancing herb because of its stimulation of the immune system. It is one of the herbs that has been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

Blueberries– Antioxidant

Blueberries are high in anti oxidants and are also considered to be helpful in improving memory function and healthy aging.

Blueberries are high in dietary fiber, Vitamin A and niacin. They contain iron and other trace minerals and are a fair source of Vitamin C.

Blueberries are a major source of flavonoids, in particular anthocyanins and flavanols. Although Blueberries are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings.

Conclusion

Of course the above foods and herbs are just a small sampling of the foods etc that are rich in antioxidants. And remember, best way to consume antioxidants is to find fruit and vegetables that are high in phytonutrients, preferably organic, and eat them consistently. The closer your eating habits are to the Genesis diet, originally given to mankind in the biblical book of Genesis, the better off you will be.

“Beloved I wish above all things that thou  mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”  3 John 2

[10] The Anti-Aging News Journal

[11] Dr.Ray Sahelian M.D.

Keith M Henry, N.D.  is the Director of phase 3ministries, based in Orlando FL. He is medical missionary herbalist, and Naturopathic doctor. Download your free copy of his report, Emergency Herbal Medicine, HERE. It may very well save your life.

These statements have not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any disease. Always consult a competent health professional if you are having problems.