Thursday, August 5, 2010

How Foods Can Keep You Young

We need oxygen in to keep us alive. However, as oxygen is being used by our body, a by-product is produced which becomes harmful in the long run. Oxygen metabolism is not perfectly done by our cells, 1 to 2% becomes dented and turned into substances called free radicals.

These free radicals in turn seed up cell damage and later on produce risks for various diseases. This naturally occurring reaction is called oxidation and it happens to all cells. The effect of this feedback mechanism is like how a peeled potato turns brown when not soaked in water.

The substances which compose a cigarette give a large amount of free radicals. Alcoholic beverages does the same.

Good news! Researchers have found way to counteract this effect. Antioxidants provide promising result to prevent future harm. They neutralize free radicals by combining to these damaging substances. This is how foods can keep you young. Antioxidants can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables available in the local market.

How foods can keep you young is determined by the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.

Here is a list of antioxidants you can get from them:

Vitamin C captures and neutralizes the free radicals.

Vitamin E breaks the free radical chain reaction.

Flavonoids dominates the class of antioxidants.

Some known oxidants are the following:

Quercetin- is a natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory which is also considered to prevent prostate cancer.

Luteolin- neutralizes free radicals to help reduce oxidative stress and contribute to inflammation reduction, and promote healthy carbohydrate metabolism.

Hesperetin- significantly lowers the plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.

Catetchin- reacts with toxins created by harmful bacteria and harmful metals such as lead, mercury, chrome, and cadmium.

Polyphenols also called phytonutrients or phytochemicals are a lesser class of antioxidants which are found in plants.

These substances reveal the secrets of how certain foods can keep you young and healthy. Some of the foods that rich in antioxidants are almonds. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. Red onions are also high in antioxidants and contain compounds that inhibit enzymes that generate swelling. Beans, green leafy vegetables and orange juice are also suggested.

By : Maria_L._Ronie

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