How Do Antioxidants Work To Improve Health?

By Peter Martin


A number of health specialists are advocating veggies and fruits to be included in a regular diet plan. There are a lot of beneficial reasons to the recommendation, but one of the reasons is definitely the antioxidants that almost all vegetables and fruits offer. But exactly what are antioxidants? What makes them 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 the missing electron to free radicals, antioxidants protect against cell damage. It is recommended to have foods and nutrients that come with antioxidants regularly to stay healthy. Lots of vegetables and fruits are a fantastic supply of antioxidants thanks to vitamins E and C. Vitamins are known to be among the best antioxidants. Fruits and veggies such as strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are a good supply of vitamin C and E. But these vitamins are not the only source of antioxidants and in fact they are certainly not the best 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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