The Health Benefits Of Antioxidants

By Richard Davis


Numerous doctors are promoting fruits and vegetables as part of a daily diet regime. There are many good reasons to the suggestion; however one of the reasons would be the antioxidants that the majority of fruits and veggies supply. However what are antioxidants? Why are they extremely important?

Oxidation exists in every single place from slice of apple turning brownish color to rust on a metal pipe. It is a common process which also occurs inside a human body. Human body normally controls oxidation well, but from time to time it causes cell damage. The damaged cells are known as free radicals, molecules with unpaired electron. Since it is unpaired, it will attempt to take an electron from another molecule. Anytime this activity gets extreme, it could trigger various medical problems which include cancer, heart problems and arthritis. Radiation, cigarette smoke and pollution lead to the development of free radicals as well. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals.

By supplying the missing electron to free radicals, antioxidants protect against cell damage. It is extremely important to consume nutrients that give antioxidants daily to remain healthy. A lot of fruits and vegetables are a good supply of antioxidants thanks to vitamins C and E. The vitamins are known to be among the best antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables such as strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are a fantastic source of vitamin E and C. However these vitamins are not the only source of antioxidants and in fact they are certainly not the very best 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 take in green tea. Standard way is to make and to drink the tea. This really is good especially when taken while eating food. Another common way is to add tea powder to citrus water. Combining lemon juice with EGCG has been known to increase the benefits. A convenient way is to take green tea tablets. This will work for folks not liking the bitter tea taste.




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