On Antioxidants

     Let's talk Antioxidants!

We need oxygen to stay alive. Oxygen not only keeps us alive it can also be our demise. We have a love-hate relationship with oxygen. It does the same thing to our cells as it does to iron, apples, or potatoes. It makes stuff yucky. It causes deterioration. Cell deterioration is not a good thing, oxygen causes "rust" and "crust" as we age, if you're over 60 you know what I mean (I don't take showers anymore, I just go down and get sand blasted once a week.)      Ogygenation produces "free radicals" which are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and when they combine with normal atoms and healthy cells some serious problems occur, a main cause of cancer. We don't want that ! Enter antioxidants! During our 20's and 30's our bodies produce sufficient antioxidants to keep things running smoothly. That's why we were so pretty then. But, after 50 we produce fewer antioxidants and the "rusting" begins. Antioxidants have also shown to reduce and/or prevent certain cancers, especially prostate cancer. In order to compensate we need to do something extra, either through diet or supplements. I try to do both but, c'mon, how many blueberries, strawberries, carrots, peas, collard greens, tomatoes and green tea can we ingest everyday? Fortunately there are some excellent supplements available. Melatonin is a biggie which I talk about in more detail in another section. Selenium, lycopene and vitamin E are also strong antioxidants. There are also supplements that provide some powerful combinations of antioxidants, most of which are reasonably priced.

     Antioxidants are the key to the prevention of cell damage. Cellular damage is a major cause of cancer, aging and a variety of diseases. Cellular damage is caused mainly by Free Radicals

      Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals they may not be effective enough as we age. There are a host of powerful antioxidants available. Some very powerful antioxidants are Melatonin, DMAE, vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, selenium and a host of others. Any "colorful" fruits and vegetables as well as some drinks.
      One food that requires mentioning here is Tomatoes. They are so much more than an antioxidant. There have been some amazing studies on the health benefits of the nutrients in tomatoes—in particular the much studied carotenoid, lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives tomatoes, guava, papaya, watermelon and red grapefruit, their color. There are more than 600 naturally occurring carotenoids—including beta-carotene—and lycopene seems to offer the most potent antioxidant protection of them all. Tomatoes,especially cooked tomatoes, contain significant amounts of lycopene, as well as some other phytochemicals, that may help protect you from getting prostate, lung, skin, and breast cancer, and keep you from developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Some other foods that are high in antioxidants are;

• Coffee: That's right, it has recently been reported that Coffee is one of the most powerful antioxidants available. (Who knew!)
• blueberries
• strawberries
• cranberries
• red apples
• carrots
• peas
• greens
• artichokes (that one surprised me)
• kidney beans
• pinto beans
• green tea (an excellent source)

Disclaimer: The information provided on "On Staying Young" is for educational purposes only and IS NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.