Unlocking the Power of Antioxidants
Walk into your local supermarket, grocer or produce stand and note the assortment of offerings…more fruits and vegetables that you could possibly imagine.
From a distance, you can’t tell which are sweet, sour, or spicy. And unless you get up close and handle some, you won’t be able to tell if they’re ripe, spoiled or not quite ready for consumption.
That said, one of the most important qualities, healthiness (at least as it relates to fruits) is something you can see—color.
What Are Antioxidants?
Fiery reds, rich purples and deep blues, these vibrant colors are the earmark of something called antioxidants.
Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals.
What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are like invisible invaders (atoms or molecules) your body producers when you eat or are exposed to unhealthy things like tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays or air pollution.
They are also a natural byproduct of normal processes in cells. For example, when your immune system rallies to fight health compromising intruders, the oxygen it uses spins off an army of free radicals that destroy viruses, bacteria, and damaged body cells in an oxidative burst.
Some normal production of free radicals also occurs during exercise. This appears to be necessary in order to induce some of the beneficial effects of regular physical activity, such as sensitizing your muscle cells to insulin.
These free radicals can not only cause damage to your cells, they can lead to severe illness (i.e., heart disease, cancer, etc.) and accelerate the aging process.
How Can Antioxidants Help?
Antioxidants are nutrients that help minimize free-radical damage to the body. The body produces several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, that neutralize many types of free radicals. But a far broader consumption of antioxidant nutrients (vitamins C, E, etc.), is needed to protect the health, vitality and wellbeing of the body on a daily basis.
Nutritional experts agree, the best source of antioxidants are plant-derived, like fruits. The deeper in color, the more nutrient dense and the healthier for the body.
Check out the Waiora store for products rich in antioxidants, zeolites, plant sterols and more to help you rediscover your health.