Why Are Antioxidant Supplements So Important?

You've probably heard a lot about antioxidants lately: in the newspaper, in magazines, and on T.V. While many supplements and nutrients have been talked about for as long as you can probably remember, antioxidant supplements are a more recent topic. Don't let this fool you into thinking they're any less important. Antioxidants are a vital part of staying young and healthy. But why are they so important?

First of all, we need to know what an antioxidant is. During normal processes, molecules called free radicals are produced in the body. These are basically unstable atoms or molecules that desperately want to become stable. They do this by stealing electrons from healthy cells, making them unstable and less healthy. Antioxidants reverse this reaction, helping to keep the cells of our body healthy and functioning properly.

One of the most talked about effects of antioxidants is their anti aging properties. As we age, we constantly copy our cells to replace them when they die. Errors in copying occur and build up to form the aging process. Free radicals can also interfere and have been shown to promote wrinkles, memory problems, weakness of the immune system, and reduced elasticity of tissue; all of which are associated with the aging process. We can't completely stop aging, but proper amounts of antioxidants and/or antioxidant supplements can slow the process considerably.

Damage caused by these free radicals is also considered to be a cause of certain cancers. Getting more antioxidants can reduce our risk for certain types of cancer, including cancer of the: stomach, prostate, colon, breast, bladder esophagus, pancreas, and possibly many more. Besides cancer, antioxidants have been shown to help prevent other serious problems, such as: cardiovascular diseases, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and vision problems. It is likely that antioxidants can help prevent other diseases and disorders, but their full effects simply haven't been studied yet.

Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. When this type of cholesterol oxidizes, it can attach to the walls of blood vessels causing heart disease. This increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Oxidized cholesterol also contributes to the hardening of blood vessel walls increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Antioxidants can help keep your heart and the rest of your circulatory system healthy.

Another great benefit of antioxidants is that they help boost the immune system. If you get sufficient levels of antioxidants, you're not only less likely to get sick; it's also easier for you to fight off diseases you may get. Along these lines, antioxidants can also help you heal faster when you have an injury; large or small.

So what are you waiting for? Today is the best day to start eating right or taking antioxidant supplements to get more of these wonderfully healthy antioxidants.

5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Supplement With Extra Vitamin A

Did you know that vitamin A has incredible anti-infective powers, as well as immune-boosting benefits? And if that is not enough to get you up and eating my foods rich in vitamin A, here is more good news:

1. Studies have shown that children who ingest extra vitamin A can get over the measles by as much as 50% faster. These children also show fewer complications as a result of having measles. Vitamin A supplements can also help babies heal faster that are suffering from respiratory infections.

2. Vitamin A can aid in preventing complications that result from certain cancer treatments. When you have cancer and are going through chemotherapy or other radiation treatment, it can dramatically lower your immune system. When this happens, your body is prone to pick up infections and other viruses that are floating around.

When cancer patient treatments are given large doses of vitamin A, their immune system has been reported to raise back to incredibly higher levels. However, sometimes with the good comes the bad. And the “bad” that we are referring to here is that too much vitamin A can also become very toxic. So while these studies are showing very promising results, researchers are still working to find a way to reduce toxic levels of vitamin A while increasing the immune system at the same time with this vitamin.

3. Vitamin A can also be used to treat viral infections. When the body does not have a sufficient amount of vitamin A, it becomes susceptible to different illnesses, especially that of viral infections. If you are suffering from a virus then your best defense is to supplement with extra vitamin A. Be sure that it is in the form of beta-carotene which help reduces possible vitamin A toxic levels.

4. Vitamin A boosts immune cells. Vitamin A taken in large doses of beta-carotene can help increase the amount of infection fighting cells within your immune system. These results are especially beneficial to people that are suffering from dramatically reduced immune system levels, such as AIDS patients and cancer patients.

5. Vitamin A can be found in a variety of healthy foods. While it is acceptable to supplement your diet with vitamin A., your goal should be to try to eat as many foods that are rich in beta-carotene is possible. Such foods include any fruits that are in the color of red, orange, and yellow. Vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene include tomatoes, carrots, and cantaloupe. And do not forget your dark green leafy vegetables. They are very potent and beta-carotene, as well as other nutrients.
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