What Are Antioxidants And Why Are They Important?

By Tom Nelson


A large number of medical specialists are advocating fruits and veggies as part of a daily diet plan. There are lots of excellent reasons to the suggestion; however one of the reasons would be the antioxidants that nearly all veggies and fruits supply. What exactly are antioxidants? Why are they extremely important?

Oxidation process exists everywhere from slice of banana turning brownish color to rust on a piece of metal. This is a natural activity which also happens in a body. Our body system normally handles oxidation well, but from time to time it leads to cell damage. The damaged cells are known as free radicals, molecules with unpaired electron. Since it is unpaired, it will try to take an electron from another molecule. When this effect gets excessive, it can easily result in quite a few health issues which include cancer, heart problems and arthritis. Cigarette smoke, pollution and radiation also add to the development of free radicals. Antioxidants are compounds that counteract free radicals.

By giving the missing electron to free radicals, antioxidants protect against cell damage. It is vital to take foods that give antioxidants regularly to remain in good health. Many fruit and veggies are a fantastic supply of antioxidants thanks to vitamins C and E. Vitamins are known to be among the best antioxidants. Fruits and veggies such as strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are a good supply of vitamin C and E. But these vitamins are not the only supply of antioxidants and actually they are certainly not the best source.

Increasingly more health nutritionists agree Epigallocatechin or generally known as EGCG is a stronger source of antioxidants than vitamins E and C. A large number of scientists agree that EGCG is 100 times more efficient than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E in reducing free radicals. EGCG is a substance available in green tea. A number of the acknowledged green tea extract health benefits include preventions against heart disease, cancer, gaining weight, bad cholesterol and depression.

There have been numerous lab tests with regards to the effects of green tea on cancer cells. The final results show the serving of 300mg of EGCG a day to be the best amount. A cup of tea offers close to 100mg of EGCG. Additional case studies are on the way, but for right now 3 cups per day is a good amount.

At this time there are a number of methods to take in green tea. Common way is to brew and to drink the tea. This is great way particularly when consumed while eating meals. One additional preferred way is to add green tea powder to water. Blending citrus juice with EGCG has been known to maximize the health benefits. A convenient way is to consume green tea capsules. This will work for folks disliking the flavor.




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