From the foods we eat and the air we breathe, free radicals find a new home in our bodies. These have been linked to aging the body and other diseases, but they can be slowed down with diet alone.
Free radicals are partial molecules that are desperately seeking to match up with another. They are like the guys at last call trying to find a girl, nothing good can come out of it for either person. The same is true for free radicals. They seek out oxygenated cells in the body and eventually begin to kill off the body’s cells. This is what some believe to be the cause of aging and even death.
The answer to helping to control free radicals are antioxidants. These little guys help to neutralize and even free the body of the harmful free radicals. Antioxidants are found in many foods and supplements. You can make these supplement into delicious meals and/or snacks with recipes, such as this one that is made using the Proplant Complete Shake. Listed here are some of the common antioxidants and some sources:
Beta Carotene and other Carotenoids – These come from red and orange fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and watermelon. They are converted into a form of vitamin A.
Vitamin C – Foods such as guava, red or green peppers, kiwi, oranges, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C. This vitamin has long been known for its ability help fight off and prevent a cold. This is mainly because of its ability to team up with other antioxidants like vitamin E to rid the body of the free radicals.
Vitamin E – Sources of this vitamin are fortified cereals, nuts, sunflower seeds, greens, tomatoes, and even peanut butter. Vitamin E plays an integral role in improving the blood flow throughout the body and boost the ability of the blood to utilize oxygen. This is important as free radicals tend to hinder the oxygen intake of cells. Vitamin E has also been thought to improve the body’s use of vitamin K which is the key player in blood clotting.
Flavonoids – Once called Vitamin P, they can be located in berries, wine, coffee, and tea. They will help keep the heart healthy by limiting hypertension and controlling blood lipid levels.
Melatonin – This antioxidant can be ingested by eating cherries, bananas, and toast. Melatonin is known for helping people get better sleep as it helps to control the circadian rhythm of the body. In fact, as we age we sleep less because of this hormone’s depletion in the body. When melatonin is not keeping the body on schedule, it is being a major scavenger of free radicals and assist other antioxidants in their fight.
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