Stop Age Related Decline with Antioxidants

The world has been searching for the elusive fountain of youth since the beginning of time. We all seem to lose that youthful vigor and we would all like to look and feel younger as we age. Is it possible that the fountain of youth has been with us all along but we just didn’t recognize it?

Science has proven that the cause of the majority of age-related decline, most diseases and other disorders are caused by free radicals. A free radical is a highly unstable molecule that is created during oxidative processes within the body. A free radical is actually a molecule that has an unpaired electron. Since most processes in our bodies require oxygen we are continually creating free radicals. The oxygen molecules that we take in are often compromised due to environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke and even the natural processes of our bodies like digestion. When the oxygen molecule loses an electron it will stabilize itself by stealing an electron from another molecule. This is what creates a free radical.

A free radical or unpaired oxygen molecule is a highly unstable factor. We require a few of them for different functions but when they appear in excessive quantities they can be very destructive and damaging to our cells. Free radicals contribute to various disorders including serious diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. They also contribute to aging declines.

However, nature has provided the solution to free radical damage. Antioxidants are powerful nutrients that are found in the healthiest foods on earth. An antioxidant will come in and contribute the missing electron to the free radical and thereby neutralize it. Antioxidants can also prevent the creation of free radicals in the first place. A diet high is antioxidants can truly be a fountain of youth. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods are loaded with antioxidants. The more you can stop free radical damage the more you will be able to maintain the healthy vibrancy of youth.

The prevention of free radical damage by antioxidants is an ongoing process. Actually even more free radicals are produced as the others are being neutralized. Therefore antioxidants must be continually replaced within our bodies. We need to consume a healthy diet on a daily basis. It has been proven that the safest and most effective way to get antioxidants is through diet. Ideally, 8 to 10 fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily but a minimum of 5 is recommended.

Antioxidant capacity in food is measured by what is referred to as the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC. The ORAC is a number that corresponds with the level of antioxidants qualities in that food. Foods with high ORAC scores include spinach, kale, oranges, sweet potatoes and others. Most berries have high ORAC scores including cranberries, blueberries and the acai berry. The acai berry actually has one of the highest ORAC scores ever found in nature.

The highest benefits of antioxidants come from the synergy of the different nutrients working together. That is why it is wise to consume a large variety of healthy foods. One single antioxidant will not provide the benefit that it will when combined with the other nutrients. That is one reason why it is better to get your antioxidants from food rather than supplements.

The elusive fountain of youth has been with us forever. We just didn’t recognize it. Age related decline along with a number of diseases and disorders can all be prevented and even stopped by the consumption of a large variety of healthy antioxidants in your diet.