There is no way you can have a young and healthy body without knowing where you to get the needed weapon. This weapon is nothing other than antioxidants. These are substances that help your body fight free radicals. They can be got practically anywhere. Simply learn what they are, and strive to pile your shelves and pantries with the foods rich in these substances.
First on your list should be foods with flavonoids. They are believed to have anti-allergy, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Research has proven that flavonoids not only make you less vulnerable to atherosclerosis, but also mitigate hay fever, eczema, sinusitis, and asthma. You will find flavonoid properties in tea, dark chocolate, apples, pears, berries, and red wine.
Obtain foods rich in isothiocyanate-a substance responsible for the aroma and flavor in cruciferous veggies. Properties in this substance are also believed to protect DNA in cells from damage made by carcinogens. Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate specifically embedded in broccoli can prevent the development of breast cancer. Besides broccoli, you will find huge quantities of this substance in cabbage, cauliflower, and horseradish.
Another class of foods you should put into consideration is those loaded with phenol. These can be a very good weapon for you against coronary heart disease, stroke, and certain cancer. You stock yourself with phenol when you eat lots of blueberries, kiwis, plums, cherries, apples, coffee, wheat germ, and bran. If it is risk of cancer is what you want to alleviate, indulge in sulfide-rich foods. Examples are garlic, onion, and leek.
Another category of foods you may want to eat are those rich in minerals such as selenium, copper, and zinc. These contain antioxidant properties as well when combined with certain enzymes. Vitamins C and E and beta carotene are also considered to have antioxidant properties. They are believed to be able to healthy, and a remedy to cardiovascular disease.
Studies in antioxidants are still scanty. Studies into the causes, incidence, and control of disease in population-commonly referred to as Epidemiology, have concluded that diet rich in foods packed with huge amounts of antioxidants promotes longevity and good health. The question that has remained unanswered is how much antioxidants one should consume.
Yes, antioxidants dont operate in similar ways. Results in laboratory tests reveal that some of them taken in excess can become pro-oxidants that may pose a risk to your DNA. This includes the minerals the body uses to produce its own. Indeed, anything in excess can be unhealthy. Supplements can be valuable to your health. They have been proven to minimize the risk of muscular degeneration, a disease of the retina of the eye resulting in the loss of central vision. Generally speaking though, the combination of antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains appear to perform better in the body compared to pure single supplements with pure antioxidants in tablet form. At times, these supplements may have lost their value.
To sum it all up, everything zeros down to balancing your diet, and eating right. Equip your body with what it needs to enhance its immune system. You should be careful not to go beyond the limits though. If you realize that your diet is still lacking, you could embark on supplements. It would be important that you consult with a specialist first so as to make a well-informed decision. You need to realize that these experts, i.e., nutritionist and doctors always know what is best for you.