Image via Wikipedia-hereHere are a few of the foods that are a great source of antioxidants. Spinach and kale, along with other leafy greens are high in antioxidants. Other sources include pomegranates, Concord grape juice, blueberries, blackberries, raisins, red cabbage, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, oranges and carrots.How do antioxidants support the immune system?
Antioxidants shield immune cells from environmental damage and encourage the production of bacteria-busting white blood cells. In addition, antioxidants protect the enzymes that repair DNA damage, thereby enhancing your body’s ability to rejuvenate itself.
What is the role of antioxidants in the body?
Dr. Ellen Marmur says:
Antioxidants in certain foods - green tea, olive oil, blueberries, salmon or sunflower seeds - act like superhero nutrients in the body. They extinguish toxic oxygen molecules known as free radicals, the bad byproducts of cell renewal that are also produced by pollution and sun damage.
Antioxidants may turn out to be even more powerful defenders than we thought, and researchers are studying their potential as cancer fighters and UV protectors. Scientific studies seem to come out every day, touting the near-miraculous sun-protective and cancer- preventive benefits of antioxidant compounds in everything from pomegranates to red wine. The polyphenols in green tea have been proven to protect the DNA in skin cells in mice from UV damage, to protect skin against sunburns, and possibly to help prevent basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
In a National Cancer Institute study done at the University of Illinois, the antioxidant compound resveratrol (found in cranberries, red wine, and grapes) inhibited the development of cancers in mice. (The antioxidant's beneficial effects on humans are still uncertain.) Antioxidant compounds found in pomegranates have also shown a great ability to inhibit tumor production and growth. A study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that vitamin C and E supplements taken for three months significantly reduced sunburns and sun damage
Antioxidants are natures way of protecting the body and cells from damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are generated by sun exposure, stress and as part of the natural aging process.
Free radicals damage cells, DNA and collagen. The body has a complex system of natural antioxidants to fight free radicals. There are vitamin antioxidants including vitamin C, A and E as well as enzyme antioxidants. These two types of antioxidants work together mopping up free radical as they are produced.
Sun exposure depletes naturally occuring antioxidants. This is why dermatologists will often prescribe a topical antioxidant cream or lotion to protect the skin during the day. Some favorites are co-enzyme Q10, idebenone, green tea, vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin E. By apply antioxidant creams daily you can further protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. These creams are used in addition to sunscreen.
As featured on there December 1st show
Adaped From Dr. Mehmet Oz
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