Antioxidants What Are They

These days there is a lot of talk about anti-oxidants. But what are anti-oxidants?? Anti-oxidant rich food provides more nutrition than do other foods. For example one cup of green tea offers 10 to 40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidants that are effectively greater than a serving of broccoli. It is the high antioxidant activity in green tea that makes it beneficial for protecting the body from damage.

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is the chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells. Antioxidants terminate the chain reactions. Antioxidants also help protect cells from effects of free radicals. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Antioxidants can be man made or natural. They all prevent or delay some type of cell damage. Diets high in veggies and fruits help a person stay healthy as all fruits and veggies are good sources of antioxidants. Antioxidant supplements to be beneficial in preventing diseases.

To get the most anioxidants from fruit and  veggies here are a few tips:

1. Don't peel.
2. Minimize chopping.
3. Don't soak in water pre-cooking.
4. Cook quickly at a high heat rather than slowly on a lower heat.
5. Don't cook in copper pots (this reduces the amount of vitamin C)
6. Frozen veggies are good sources of antioxidants.

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