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Antioxidants

There is a common denominator that causes aging and all of the conditions which occur when we grow older,. These damaging agents are called free radicals. It has been estimated that approximately 10,000 times a day every cell in our bodies is exposed to oxidants that are destructive. The best way to battle diseases caused by free radicals, such as heart disease, is through exercise and a diet filled with antioxidants.

Proper dietary habits include fruit and vegetable consumption which provides nutrients from the antioxidant group. Proven to be the best protection against free radicals, the antioxidants which are very important are vitamins A, C, & E. These nutrients have revealed, in many different studies worldwide, defense against degenerative diseases. Unfortunately, most people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables to consume the recommended amounts of these vital nutrients. This is when supplementation is necessary.

Three conditions which are research-proven to be deterred by consuming antioxidant vitamins are:

Cataracts/Macular Degeneration: There has been significant evidence that beta-carotene protects the eyes from damage. These diseases have been found to result from free radical oxidation and battled by antioxidants.

Cancer: There are numerous studies conducted on the various types of cancer and the effect of antioxidants. Many of these trials reveal that antioxidants decrease cancer risk significantly. It has been found that smoking, one of the leading causes of cancer, is a destroyer of the body's antioxidant levels, especially vitamin C.

Cardiovascular Disease: Statistics show that cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death today and the number of cases is constantly growing. Three factors to help prevent and avoid being "a statistic" are reduction of cholesterol, quitting smoking, and increasing exercise and physical activity. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps lower blood pressure and raises levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and beta-carotene also boosts defense against heart problems.

Reports reveal that only a small percentage of the population meets the guidelines of the nutrients needed for good heath. Depending on diet alone for adequate nutrition is not the smart route for providing the body with the optimum levels of antioxidants. Nutritional supplementation may be the best way to fortify the daily diet in order to have ideal amounts of antioxidants to fight aging and prevent disease.

References

Voelker, R. "Ames Agrees With Mom's Advice: Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables" JAMA 273 (April 12, 1995); 1077-78

Block, G etal. "Antioxidant Vitamins and Disease Prevention" Food Technology (July 1994): 80-84.

Kanter, M. "Free Radicals, Exercise and Antioxidant Supplementation" International Journal of Sports Nutrition 4 (1994): 205-220