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ANTIOXIDANTS:

• Antioxidants are chemicals that defuse free radicals and other biologically damaging molecular fragments in the body.
  
• They consist of nutrients such as Beta-Carotene, Coenzyme Q10, Selenium, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are well known for their antioxidant properties.
  
• Antioxidants are found in a full-range of fruits and vegetables, as well as in some meat, like fish. However, fruits and vegetables are the key source of antioxidants.
  
• Although, our bodies produce its own antioxidants, the level of product declines over time because of environmental factors and through the aging process.

ANTIOXIDANT THEORY -- HOW THEY WORK:

Free Radicals

• As part of the normal cell function, cells make toxic molecules called free radicals.
  
• Free radicals are damaged molecules-molecules that are missing electronics
  
• Free radicals are regarded as the primary force of destruction in nearly all-living things.
  
• Free radicals take electrons from other non-damaged molecules. By doing so, the free molecules damage the cell.
  
• As cell damage continues, it contributes to certain diseases and aging.
  
• Free radicals can cause cancer, diabetes, cataracts, cardiovascular disease and wrinkles.

THE BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS:

Slowing Down Oxidation

• Antioxidants are good at slowing down the oxidation process.
  
• When oxidation occurs in food, fatty acids undergo chemical changes
  
• Fatty acids are also found in the blood, which can undergo similar chemical changes, as does food.

Mental Decline Resulting From Aging

• A study published by the Journal of Neuroscience showed that rats fed antioxidant-rich strawberries and spinach had better memories and slower decline of nerve cells functions than rats fed a standard diet.
  
• According to Dr. James Joseph, "Nutritional intervention with fruits and vegetables may play an important role in protecting against and possibly reversing the cognitive declines seen from aging."
  
• Free radical destruction is said to be a key factor to a decline in memory and motor performance seen in aging.
  
• The brain is especially vulnerable because it is relatively deficient in antioxidants to begin with.

FOODS HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS:

• Beta-carotene -- Found in dark green, dark yellow and orange vegetables and fruits.
  
• Selenium -- Found in meats, fish, cereal, dairy products, Brazil and some other nuts.
  
• Vitamin C - Found in orange juice, kiwi, grapefruit, strawberries, watermelon, green peppers, cauliflower and broccoli.
  
• Vitamin E - Can be found in mayonnaise, margarine, salad dressing, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, crab, shrimp and fish.

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE:

• Make sure you get the RDA for vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. If you rarely eat dark-green or orange varieties of fruits and vegetables, take a supplement, which supplies 100% of the RDA vitamins and minerals.
  
• Studies show that people, especially as they age, don't get the RDA for vitamin E. Good food sources for vitamin E again are breakfast cereals that are fortified with 100% of the RDA for vitamins and minerals, shellfish, mustard or turnip greens, kale and collards.

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