Antioxidants: What They Are and Why We Need Them

Bring on those "free radicals" baby!! We will CRUSH THEM!

OK, OK, relax. We haven't gone mad or completely lost our minds. Not yet anyway.

We are, however, really confident in our love of antioxidants and the work they do to kill the "free radicals" that can ruin our health and wellness.

You see, antioxidants are our friends. They do wonders when it comes to fighting the war against poor health and even poorer aging.

To be very clear, before you move on, antioxidants, and their role in our biology, is very well documented with more than 142,000 scholarly medical literature articles to date.

In other words, this is some highly researched stuff right here.

What Do Antioxidants Actually Do

In a nutshell, antioxidants can prevent or slow the damage to our cells caused by "free radicals", unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures, (also known as STRESS).

When you consider the powerful role antioxidants play in reducing oxidative damage to our cells, and the very high correlation researchers have found, and continue to find, between oxidative damage and the occurrence of disease, it is quite easy to understand why we should do whatever we can to increase our antioxidant levels on a daily basis.

For example, LDL oxidation is associated with cardiovascular disease. The process leading to atherogenesis, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease is complex, involving multiple chemical pathways and networks, but the precursor is LDL oxidation by "free radicals", resulting in inflammation and the formation of plaque.

When you begin to think about free radicals as say, and unwanted, invading army, and your antioxidant levels as your army or defense, the picture becomes a bit more clear and easy to understand.

Build your army up! Take measures to fight said free radicals and thus limit their role in things such as LDL oxidation, potentially minimizing the risk of a well-known killer such as cardiovascular disease.

Obviously, this is merely one example. But we think a pretty strong one.

Why Antioxidant Supplementation is a Good Idea

Research suggests that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, does in fact, reduce damage to cells and biochemicals from these maddening free radicals. Slowing down, preventing or even possibly reversing the cellular damage they cause can be beneficial for living a happier, healthier life as well as slowing the natural aging process itself.

While a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods is a good start, it is, unfortunately, not likely to provide your body with all you need and want.

Almost since the beginning of supplementation have companies sold both individual and blend antioxidant formulas for this very reason. You have almost certainly heard of most of them and helpfully already used some of them. , such as Alpha-Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, Green Tea, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, Resveratrol, Beta Carotene, etc.

Antioxidants are some of the most widely used supplements for very good reason and if any of the above makes sense or sounds like it should be a priority, we think it is clear to see why they should be a part of almost everyone's daily diet.

Back to our war analogy...we battle more stressors today than ever before, therefore, we need a bigger, stronger army.

Do your homework. See what you are likely missing from your daily diet...and enhance your defenses. ASAP! After all, you aren't getting any younger. 
As always, the information we present here is for educational purposes only and should never be misconstrued for medical advice. While we believe strongly in the use of antioxidants, you should alway consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise regiment.

Always Remember...

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Until next time...PROGRESS, not PERFECTION!

Don't forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Live a 3D Life...Decisions Determine Destinations!