Understanding The Importance Of Antioxidants

A lot of health experts are advocating fruit and veggies to be included in a daily diet. There are many good reasons to the advice; however one of the reasons is the antioxidants that almost all veggies and fruits supply. However what are antioxidants? Why are they so important?

Process of oxidation occurs in every single place from slice of potato turning brownish color to rust in a machine. This is a normal activity which also exists in a body. Human body usually controls oxidation well, but at times it causes cell damage. The damaged cells are known as free radicals. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electron. Because it is unpaired, it will attempt to take an electron from another molecule. Once this action gets intense, it may lead to numerous health problems most notably cancer, heart disease and arthritis. Pollution, radiation and cigarette smoke are a factor in the growth of free radicals as well. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals.

By offering the missing electron to free radicals, antioxidants prevent cell damage. It is very important to consume nutrients that give antioxidants daily to live in a healthy condition. Lots of vegetables and fruits make the perfect source of antioxidants because of vitamins E and C. The vitamins are known to be among the best antioxidants. Vegetables and fruit like strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are a good source of vitamin C and E. But these vitamins are not the only source of antioxidants and in reality they are not the best source.



An increasing number of health professionals agree with the fact that Epigallocatechin or also known as EGCG may be a much stronger supply of antioxidants than vitamins C and E. Most research workers agree that EGCG is 100 times more efficient than vitamin C and 25 times more efficient compared to vitamin E in protecting against free radicals. EGCG is an element available in green tea extract. A number of the identified green tea health benefits include preventions against bad cholesterol, depression, heart disease, cancer and fat gain.

There were a number of laboratory examinations pertaining to the effects of green tea on cancer cells. The results suggest the usage of 300mg of EGCG a day to be the ideal amount. A cup of tea includes roughly 100mg of EGCG. A lot more research studies are in the process, yet for right now 3 cups on a daily basis is a safe amount.

At this time there are quite a few methods to consume green tea. Traditional way is to brew and to drink the tea. This is good especially when consumed while having food. One additional preferred way is to mix tea powder with citrus water. Blending lemon with EGCG is actually recognized to boost the health rewards. A practical way is to take tea pills. This is wonderful for individuals disliking the bitter tea taste.



By Jonathan Judd