The Importance of Antioxidants   

It is very important to get an adequate supply of antioxidants in your diet since your body is in a continual war against damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules which occur as a direct result of your normal metabolism and may be aggravated to a further degree by additional factors such as air and water pollution, cigarette smoking and the other related stresses. Specifically, free radicals are groups of atoms which feature one or more unpaired electron, and this makes them highly reactive. A certain amount of free radicals in the body is fine but in excess they directly damage the cells.
Another big problem is that free radicals may heighten inflammatory responses, which can eventually lead to broad cellular inflammation, which is really the origin of affected health. According to the American Cancer Society, consuming five plus servings of fruits and/or vegetables each day is an important part of healthier living. The most well known antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Fruits and vegetables are typically very high in antioxidance and hence extremely beneficial.
What are foods which are highest in antioxidants? Among fruits, watermelon, grapes, grapeseed and berries such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries and cranberries are all superb sources. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, sweet and Irish potatoes, pumpkin, black beans, honey and certain types of tea also have high ORAC values. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbtion Capacity) is simply a way to measure a foods antioxidant power. The AMA's nutrition committee has issued a science advisory discussing relationships between antioxidants and heart disease as well.
This new generation of fish oil is much different from the historical, impure, terrible-tasting cod-liver oil which is relatively high in mercury and PCB's. As Dr. Sears points out, the fish oil handed out by our mothers and grandmothers, and currently sold at many health food stores, has never been pure enough to be used in the sizeable quantities it takes to realize its potential benefits. The new ultra-refined fish oil (known in some circles as 'Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil') is more concentrated, free of dangerous toxins, and has been clinically tested with spectacular results. *Please Note that These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Information provided in this article is for informational uses only and is not supposed to act as a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified doctor.

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