Antioxidants: Understanding Antioxidants
ü What are antioxidants?
ü What is oxidation?
ü What are free radicals?
ü What does ORAC mean?
ü What is the value in knowing about these things?
What are antioxidants?
“Anti” means against therefore antioxidants are against oxidation. The antioxidants prevent cell damage. Antioxidants have the power to stop unstable free radicals and prevent them from damaging cells.
What is oxidation?
Oxidation is when free radicals are not stopped. Oxidation increases aging and degeneration. Picture a piece of metal rusting – it is oxidizing.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are the natural by-product of the body producing energy and fighting infections. Due to an above average exposure to toxins such as: cigarettes, alcohol, chemicals, pesticides and high fat diets the body is trying to protect itself and the by-products become quite toxic. Free radicals are unstable, highly reactive in the body and if not neutralized they may damage healthy cells. Free radicals have been linked to many health concerns including abnormal cell replication, heart disease and arthritis.
What does ORAC mean?
ORAC stand for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or total antioxidant potential. High antioxidant capacity is important in increasing the quality of your health.
What is the value in knowing about these things?
The value in understanding about antioxidants and free radicals is that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. Good sources of antioxidants are colorful fruits and vegetables and pure juices made from fruits high in antioxidants. In the laboratory the ORAC value of fruits, vegetables, and juices can be measured. Many of the health drinks on the market today have an ORAC value between 2.5 and 5 (Brunswick Laboratories , Wareham, Mass.) There is a highly recommended antioxidant drink available that has an ORAC value of 10 and includes 11 ingredients: mangosteen, wolfberry, sea buckthorn, apple, blueberry, concord grapes, grape seed, grape skin, red grapes, raspberry and green tea.
