Antioxidants

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease…..the very mention of these conditions can strike fear in all of us. However, there are certain substances called antioxidants, that are believed to impede and prevent these conditions. Annette Dickinson, a member of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, spoke with Suzanne about how antioxidants work, and in what ways we can incorporate them into our diets.

What Are They?
Antioxidants are substances found in certain foods and supplements, that help to prevent DNA and cell damage caused by the environment. Specifically, these harmful agents are called free radicals, and we are unknowingly exposed to them on a daily basis. Scientists have also discovered that our own cells have the ability to produce thousands of free radicals each day.

Free radicals contribute to many diseases and conditions, but can be destroyed by antioxidants. That is why it is so important, especially as one gets older, to take in an appropriate amount of antioxidants each day. The most common and powerful of the antioxidants are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and cerotinoids.

While all of these can be taken in supplement form, they are also found in various fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is present in all citrus fruits and juices, but is most concentrated in dark green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Foods rich in Vitamin E include nuts, whole grains, fortified cereals, seeds, and vegetable oils. And finally, red, green, and orange vegetables including carrots, melons, and pumpkin contain beta-carotene. The suggested daily dosage would be 400 units of Vitamin E, 500 milligrams of Vitamin C, and 10-50 milligrams of carotenoids.

Antioxidants and Aging
A great deal of aging derives from the oxidants your body produces as a byproduct of “normal” metabolism. Antioxidants help to prevent the development of certain conditions associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, macular degeneration, and even wrinkles. However, it is very important to include exercise and a healthy, balanced diet in your daily routine- antioxidants alone are not the only defense against aging.