|
Antioxidants & Phytochemicals
Free radicals cause cancer.
A free radical is an atom or a molecule with
at least one unpaired electron. It's missing a negatively charged
particle. Because of this, the free radical is unbalanced. To balance
itself, it steals a negatively charged particle from another molecule,
causing that molecule to become unbalanced. The unbalanced molecule
then steals from other molecules, which steal from other molecules.
These molecular thefts can damage your body and lead to life-threatening
disease, including cancer.
Free radicals cause heart disease
Free radicals within your arterial walls oxidize
LDLs, low density lipoproteins. Oxidized LDLs are a form of cholesterol
that tends to adhere to irritations in the arteries, forming plaque,
and leading to heart disease.
Carcinogens create more free radicals
Pollution, tobacco smoke, radiation and other
carcinogens create more damaging free radicals in your body, and
thus are likely to increase your risk of cancer.
Antioxidants eliminate free radicals.
Luckily you have antioxidants. Antioxidants have
the ability to donate an electron to the greedy free radicals, while
remaining balanced. This stops the damaging chain reactions caused
by free radicals.
You need to eat foods containing antioxidants
Your body has a supply of antioxidants, but to
remain healthy you need to supply more. Vitamin A from beta-carotene,
alpha carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, some minerals and phytochemicals
can provide you with more antioxidants.
Sources of antioxidants include...
Yellow and orange vegetables, and dark green
leafy vegetables:
- yellow or orange peppers
- carrots
- sweet potatoes
- spinach
- broccoli
- cantelope
- pumpkin
- apricots
- squash
- mangos
Certain fruits:
- apples
- cranberries
- grapes and red wine
Other plants including:
- celery
- black tea
- green tea
- onions
- oregano
Phytochemicals are often
good for you.
Phytochemicals are molecules within plants that protect the plants
against disease. Scientists are finding that these molecules can
prevent disease in us as well. Some act as antioxidants. Others
have additional benefits. They exist in fruits, vegetables, whole
grains and soy.
Sources of phytochemicals and their benefits include...
|
