Antioxidants are essential in a healthy diet and lifestyle. Antioxidants in foods are important for our well being. They are a natural occurring chemical found in foods that work to counter the detrimental effects of oxygen free radicals. There is now good proof from study that ingestion of around 5-7 serves a day of fresh fruit and vegetables can help avert effects of radiation, pollution, ageing, heart disease, cancers and other diseases.
When we consume the right quantity of antioxidants in our body it can help us in various ways. Our cells will be healthy, which will help fight of disease better, and also when we are sick it will assist us recuperate much faster. Antioxidants are also a source of energy, When we have a lack of antioxidants in our body we might have symptoms such as tiredness.
What is an antioxidant? According to Wikipedia
An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized themselves. As a result, antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid or polyphenols. (wikipedia)
What are they used for? According to Wikipedia
Antioxidants are widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements in the hope of maintaining health and preventing diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease. Although initial studies suggested that antioxidant supplements might promote health, later large clinical trials did not detect any benefit and suggested instead that excess supplementation may be harmful. In addition to these uses of natural antioxidants in medicine, these compounds have many industrial uses, such as preservatives in food and cosmetics and preventing the degradation of rubber and gasoline. (wikipedia)
A good number of the antioxidants we consume come from plants. These plants include vitamins such as A, C and E, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, minerals, and other naturally occurring chemicals with antioxidant properties.
As a good number of us decide to go organic and natural there are more foods and supplements coming out that contain microalgae such as Dunaliella Salina.
Spirulina is also a type of microalgae that naturally produces antioxidants (like carotenoids and Xanthophylls). You will find microalgae in such products like Recovery e21.
You will find antioxidants in several cereals – especially whole grains, nuts and seeds and also in tea, which is an extremely rich source of antioxidants.
Antioxidants can also be found in a variety of vitamin supplements, which majority of people choose to take. This may be because it’s more convenient and more compact then eating 5-7 serves of fresh fruit and vegetables a day and that way they are sure they can get the correct amount.
When looking for antioxidants in supplements there are a few types out there to prefer from. There are herbal and natural supplements, synthetic and non synthetic.
The synthetic supplements available can have some bad side effects and often do not see quick absorption into your body.
Non synthetic vitamins such as Recovery e21 are often found to be very rapid in absorption into the body. With Non synthetic supplements you will see speedy results. There would not be any side effects. The Non Synthetic supplements seem to be winner.
If you do choose to take Organic Supplements, just double check with your doctor first.
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