The Health Benefits Of Antioxidants

By Richard Davis


A large number of medical experts are recommending vegetables and fruits to be included in a daily diet. There are lots of great reasons to the suggestion; however one of the reasons would be the antioxidants that a lot of fruit and veggies supply. However just what are antioxidants? Why are they so important?

Process of oxidation occurs everywhere from piece of fruit turning brownish color to rust in a machine. This is a common activity which also occurs in a body. Our body normally works with oxidation well, but occasionally it causes cell damage. The damaged cells are called free radicals. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electron. Due to the fact it is unpaired, it will attempt to steal an electron from another molecule. Anytime this action becomes intense, it could cause a lot of health problems such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis. Pollution, radiation and cigarette smoke also contribute to the growth of free radicals. Antioxidants are substances that counteract free radicals.

By offering the missing electron to free radicals, antioxidants prevent cell damage. It is vital to have healthy foods that include antioxidants on a daily basis to be in a healthy condition. Most fruit and veggies are the ideal source of antioxidants thanks to vitamins C and E. Vitamins are acknowledged to be one of the best antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables like strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are a great supply of vitamin C and E. However these vitamins are not the only source of antioxidants and in reality they are certainly not the utmost source.

An increasing number of nutritionists agree with the fact that Epigallocatechin or generally known as EGCG is a more potent source of antioxidants than vitamins C and E. A lot of experts agree that EGCG is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more efficient compared to vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. EGCG is found in tea. Many of the recognized green tea extract positive effects include preventions against LDL cholesterol, depression, heart disease, cancer and fat gain.

There have been numerous laboratory examinations with regards to the effects of green tea on cancer cells. The results show the dosage of 300mg of EGCG on a daily basis to be the best amount. A cup provides about 100mg of EGCG. A lot more studies are on the way, but as for right now 3 cups daily is a safe amount.

At this time there are quite a few ways to consume green tea. Common way is to brew and to drink the hot tea. This is great way particularly if consumed while eating a meal. One other preferred way is to combine green tea extract powder with water. Blending vitamins with EGCG is actually recognized to improve the health rewards. An easy way is to have green tea pills. This is good for people not liking the flavor.




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