Why are Antioxidants Important for my Health?

A natural question may be "What are antioxidants, and why it is important for me to have them?"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently stated, "Eating plenty of high-ORAC (high antioxidant) fruits and vegetables--such as spinach and blueberries--may help slow the processes associated with aging in both body and brain."

You have witnessed the results of oxidation many times in your life--whenever you see iron, steel, or some other metal collect rust. This oxidation process (rusting) weakens the metal and can cause other problems. Can you imagine this type of process going on in your body? It does. It is caused not only by free radicals that result from toxins in the environment and food sources, but also by the natural process of metabolism--the conversion of food into energy.

Free radicals are particles that accumulate in the body as a byproduct of energy production, as well as through pollution, smoke, UV light, radiation, food additives, pesticides, and water chemicals--to name a few. These free-radicals "bounce around" from cell to cell, weakening and damaging them--similar to the rust oxidation example. The average cell in your body is attacked thousands of times per day by these harmful electrons.

There are many results of free radical damage--cancer, heart disease, wrinkles, other aging symptoms--and many more. Even if you are "healthy", antioxidants are vitally important to prevent cellular damage from the constant attack that your body is experiencing.

Antioxidants scavenge and neutralize free radicals, helping to prevent cellular damage and lessen the results that follow. Even healthy people need mangosteen and Zambroza!