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How Do Antioxidants Work To Improve Health?

By Peter Martin


A lot of health specialists are promoting vegetables and fruits as part of a daily diet. There are many good reasons to the suggestion; however one of the reasons is antioxidants that many veggies and fruits offer. Exactly what are antioxidants? Why are they extremely important?

Process of oxidation exists in all places from slice of pear turning brown to rust on a metal pipe. This is a natural activity that also occurs in a body. Our body system generally controls oxidation well, but at times it causes cell damage. The damaged cells are referred to as free radicals, molecules with unpaired electron. Since it is unpaired, it will try to steal an electron from other molecules. Anytime this effect gets extreme, it may lead to various health threats most notably cancer, heart problems and arthritis. Pollution, radiation and cigarette smoke add up to the development of free radicals as well. Antioxidants are compounds that counteract free radicals.

By supplying an electron to free radicals, antioxidants minimize cell damage. It is extremely important to take nutrients that come with antioxidants everyday to be in good health. Numerous fruit and veggies are a fantastic source of antioxidants because of vitamins C and E. These vitamins are acknowledged to be one of the best antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables like strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are the ideal supply of vitamin E and C. But these vitamins are not the sole supply of antioxidants and in fact they are not the greatest source.

A growing number of health nutritionists agree with the fact that Epigallocatechin or often known as EGCG may be a more powerful supply of antioxidants than vitamins E and C. Lots of scientists agree that EGCG is 100 times more efficient than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E in reducing free radicals. EGCG is an element contained in tea. Several of the well-known tea health benefits are preventions against heart disease, cancer, weight gain, LDL cholesterol and depressive disorders.

There were many laboratory tests concerning the effects of green tea on cancer cells. The results suggest the usage of 300mg of EGCG on a daily basis to be the best amount. One cup of tea offers about 100mg of EGCG. Much more experiments are on the way, but for right now 3 cups every day looks like a good amount.

Currently there are multiple ways to consume green tea. Traditional way is to make and to drink the hot tea. This is good way especially if consumed while having a meal. One other preferred way is to add green tea extract powder to vitamin water. Mixing citrus juice with EGCG has been identified to multiply the health rewards. A practical way is to have green tea capsules. This is good for individuals not liking the flavor.




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