How Antioxidants from the food benefits to your skin

by Agnieszka Kulik (Chicago IL) Antioxidants in certain foods - such as green tea, olive oil, blueberries, salmon or sunflower seeds - act like SUPERHERO nutrients in the body. They extinguish toxic oxygen molecules known as FREE RADICALS; the bad by products of cell renewal that are also produced by pollution and sun damage. Why are antioxidants so important for your skin? Because they provide the best protection against UVA rays and age-accelerating FREE RADICALS. Commonly held beliefs that eating antioxidant rich food will keep you looking young, are also scientifically proven. Though this can help smooth your wrinkles and reduces the risk of skin cancer, it's not the only way you can care for your skin. Getting nutrition to the surface of your skin is just as important as taking the right nutrition internally. What are Free Radicals? Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that target and ultimately damage your tissue, and cells. They are often causes by environmental factors such as UV rays, smoke, chemical and biological pollution, alcohol, and stress. The consequences also include damage to your skins DNA, an aged appearance, wrinkles, sagging skin, a dull or rough complexion, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Here are a few antioxidants in food that benefit your skin: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - Important sources include citrus fruits like oranges and limes, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, raw cabbage and tomatoes. Vitamin A - Involved in forming new skin cells, also helps keep skin supple and is vital for healthy EYES and HAIR. You can find vitamin A in: whole milk and butter, liver, oily fish and eggs. It can also be manufactured by the body from beta carotene. Vitamin E - Important sources include vegetable oil, nuts and seeds, peanut butter, wholegrain, avocado, sunflower, soybean. Also derived from salmon, mackerel, halibut and trout.

 Selenium - This ingredient works best with a Vitamin E to support the immune system, so it can help fight infection. The best sources are: cereals, meat, seafood, cheese, and mushrooms. Green Tea - Polyphenols found in the green tea are regarded as one of the best antioxidants, and also reduce the RISK of SKIN CANCER. Coenzyme Q10 - This is one of natural antioxidants in the skin that helps the cells grow and protect them from the ravages of Cancer and aging. The best combination of vitamins is vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and Selenium. "These antioxidants work by speeding up the skins natural repair systems and by directly inhibiting further damage" says Karen E. Burke, MD PhD of the dermatology school of Medicine (Department of Dermatology). A study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that vitamin C and E supplements taken for three months significantly reduced sunburned and sun damage. In addition to food, consider using antioxidant creams and serums. Look for Organic skincare products with ingredients like vitamin A,B,C and E, the enzyme Q10 and peptides. It is very important when you buy serums to look for those antioxidants on the beginning of the ingredient label. If the body is being treated with antioxidants from both the inside and the outside, it will certainly begin to reap the benefits. From my resources I discovered professional and Organic products in Marshall Store. They have a good price and the right quality. Sources of writing: - Book: Simple Skin Beauty from Ellen Marmur, MD - Blog from WebMD, - Book: Miladys Standard

The Fight Against Free Radicals: How Antioxidants Can Help

by Julia (Seattle, WA)

By now you probably know about free radicals. These little pests form from exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke, or sun that wreak havoc on your skin. They cause chain reactions among cells that leave them crippled, damaged, and oxidized. When this happens to your skin it can result in wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and acne. So how do we counteract the negative effects of oxidation and free radicals? Try these simple tips to jumpstart your journey towards healthy, anti-oxidized skin! 1. Eat antioxidant-loaded foods. Make sure you are getting foods like berries, broccoli, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, tea, and carrots in your usual diet as these food are pumped full of antioxidants. While they all can have similar effects on the body, you should be eating all of these, not just getting your antioxidants from tomatoes, for example. Some berries have compounds that combat carcinogens, while broccoli has properties that are said to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. 2. Vitamins. Not only should we be getting the appropriate antioxidants, but supplements that fight the effects of free radicals are important too. Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E that have been documented to battle oxidation. If you can, try to consume these in three ways topically, through supplements, or through foods. Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C and supplements are a great way to get it as well, but theres a limit to how much we can consume in this way. When its applied directly to the skin we can absorb much more. Vitamin C fights damage from free radicals, promotes collagen growth, and reverses sun damage. Vitamin E works with Vitamin C to protect the skin from UVA damage. Because it is fat soluble, the best way to absorb it is, again, to apply it topically and it keeps working between applications. In addition, you can get Vitamin E from almonds, avocados, hazelnuts, peanuts, spinach, and sweet potatoes, to name a few. 3. Polyphenols

Polyphenols are less familiar to most people. They are a natural substance found in plants that have antioxidant properties. While experiments are still in progress to determine if polyphenols really do reverse sun damage, it is true that they help to reduce inflammation, thus combating early signs of aging. Green tea, grape seed extract, and pomegranate all contain polyphenols and are used is many skincare products. Eating antioxidant rich foods, vitamins, and polyphenols will put you on the right track towards healthy skin. While you may not see immediate results from your diet change, dont give up to soon! Your skin will thank you when it stays youthful and healthy for many years.

Antioxidant Rich Mediterranean Diet Preserves Memory

The traditional Mediterranean diet, with lots of antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fish, reduce the risk of impaired memory and ability to solve problems when growing old. Dieticians studied the dietary habits of over 500 elderly men. At age 70, they were asked about dietary and lifestyle habits. They were divided into three groups, those who ate a diet in accordance with recommendations, men who preferred the Mediterranean and those who chose a high protein and carb diet. Reduced risk of dementia After twelve years, 48 men developed Alzheimer's disease, 79 some form of dementia and 105, a cognitive disorder, i.e. had impaired memory, difficulty to orient themselves in space and time, lower language ability and harder to solve problems.

They saw that the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of poorer cognitive performance at 70 percent of the 70-year-olds we have followed for twelve years. It is believed the total intake of of fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, good fats and a moderate intake of alcohol, but less meat and dairy products, which are protective. The researchers found a trend for reduced risk of dementia, but could not establish a clear link between diet and dementia.

Facts: The Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a lot of fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and a moderate intake of alcohol, especially red wine. However, sparse red meat and dairy products. Fish two to three times a week provides much of the vitamin D, iodine, selenium, and healthy fats we need. Fruits, vegetables and root vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. The diet contains a lot of beneficial omega-3 fats, moderate in fiber, E and vitamin C in amounts and antioxidants, which reduce the effects of potentially harmful oxidizing compounds, oxygen radicals.

Antioxidant Cocktail
by David (Calgary) While watching Dr. Oz one day, I came across a great antioxidant cocktail. It was presented by Dr. Andrew Weil - a well known expert. The cocktail consists of a daily intake of the following supplements: - Vitamin C 250 mg - Vitamin D 1000 ui - Vitamin E 400 ui - Selenium 100 mcg - Co-enzyme Q10 200 mg

Antioxidants
Antioxidants Articles - This is the Antioxidants article collection page. This category page organizes all of Life123's articles about Antioxidants. Our team of topic experts have practical knowledge about this interesting area, and they've compiled well written articles that dispense advice and useful solutions in the Antioxidants category area. You can get help in formulating new projects, you will broaden your knowledge about Antioxidants, you will find ways to organize your time better, you'll know what to avoid, and you might find ways to make your Antioxidants projects cost less.If you can't locate the article that fills the bill on this Antioxidants page, please look for a matching topic in your interest area in the categories listed above. If you are still having difficulty finding a matching article about Antioxidants, please locate the search box in the page header and enter relevant keywords. Popular Articles Antiaging Antioxidants

Working together or separately, antioxidants seek out and neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that compromise the structure and activity of healthy cells.
By Elisabeth Hsu-LeBlanc The Benefits of Antioxidants and How to Get Them

Antioxidants work with the body to protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Antioxidant vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoids like beta-carotene, lyopene and lutein.
By Maeve Rich Super Antioxidants: Grape Seed and Pine Bark Extracts

Wouldn't you be interested in an antioxidant that was many times more potent than vitamins C and E? What if this substance reinforced your body's own antioxidant system?
By Siri Khalsa Benefits of Green and White Tea

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By Natasa Shepherd Choosing Antioxidant Supplements

If you're having trouble consuming enough vitamins and antioxidants through your normal diet, you may want to try taking antioxidant supplements.
By Rachel Mork Drink Up: Pomegranate Juice Has Antioxidants

A recent study declares pomegranate juice has antioxidants that are higher in number than most other juices.
By Rachel Mork Foods High in Antioxidants

You're heard how good antioxidants are for your diet-they improve your skin, your health, fight cancer and extend your life expectancy-and now you want to get more antioxidants into your diet. Fortunately, it's easy to find foods high in antioxidants.
By Rachel Mork How do Antioxidants Work?

Maybe you've heard antioxidants are good for you or been puzzled when a coworker joked that her chocolate bar wasn't so bad since it delivers a boatload of antioxidants. But what are antioxidants and how antioxidants work?
By Rachel Mork What is the Most Powerful Antioxidant?

There are many claims to the title of most powerful antioxidant. You will find websites selling supplements, juices, power drinks and food products, each of them claiming to be the most powerful dietary antioxidant source.
By Rachel Mork Super Antioxidant

An important regulator of cell health, glutathione is a detoxifying agent in the kidneys, helping to eliminate a variety of environmental toxins, ranging from fungicides to plastics, and to neutralize free radicals that can damage healthy cells.
By Braddock Ray

Antiaging Antioxidants
By: Elisabeth Hsu-LeBlanc

Every day we are bombarded with pathogens and pollutants. Even the sun, the source of life on our planet, zaps us with dangerous forms of radiation. Fortunately, the human body has an effective detoxification system-and healthy lifestyle choices can strengthen it. Simply consuming a rainbow of brightly colored fruits and vegetables can help fight off life's "slings and arrows," protecting us against daily assaults on our vitality that can eventually lead to chronic health problems. Antioxidants are protective components in plants, comprising a vast range of substances-including more than 600 carotenoids (fat-soluble defenders within cell membranes) and more than 4,000 polyphenols (water-soluble defenders that roam throughout the body). Working together or separately, antioxidants seek out and neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that compromise the structure and activity of healthy cells. Start with Diet Study after scientific study points to the benefits of a plant-based diet, rich in a variety of antioxidants. Often the pigment (or color) in plant foods makes a useful guide to the antioxidant protection they offer. Also consider antioxidant-rich herbs and spices. Consuming a half to one clove of garlic a day (or its equivalent) can lower cholesterol up to 9 percent, for example. Dark chocolate, teas, and red wine are also high in polyphenols and other healing antioxidants. Supplement SOS Look for natural carotenoids (alpha and beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, tocopherols and tocotrienols, zeaxanthin) as well as the vitamin C family (including flavonoids) and vitamin E in daily multiples and other nutritional supplements. Here are some specific highlights from current research on their health-protective benefits. Cancer protection: Polyphenols not only work as antioxidants but also impact basic cellular mechanisms in fighting cancer. Green tea is high in polyphenols called catechins, which help fight DNA damage and jump-start programmed cancer cell death. No wonder this tea and its extract are associated with lower incidences of bladder, breast, colon, esophagus, liver, lung, ovarian, prostate, and stomach cancers. "Garlic has also been touted as a potential cancer preventive," says Marcia Zimmerman, MEd, CN. That's thanks to its vitamin C, trace amounts of A and E, bioflavonoids, selenium, and other antioxidants. Cardiovascular health: In addition to regular exercise and not overeating, mitochondria (the body's primary cellular energy source) play an important role in preventing cell aging and protecting cardiac function. A vitamin-like antioxidant, CoQ10 is critical to cellular energy production, antiaging, oral health, mental function, and cancer prevention-not to mention cardiovascular health. Not only does CoQ10 increase survival rates in congestive heart failure, but it also helps lower blood pressure without medication. Vitamin E inhibits oxidation of LDL (lousy) cholesterols, lowering the risk of heart disease in large epidemiological studies. It works best with other antioxidants including carotenes, CoQ10, selenium, and vitamin C. Antioxidant E may boost the anticlotting effects of certain drugs like Coumadin, though, so check with your physician about this vitamin if you take blood thinners.

Cognitive function: Polyphenols in fruit, particularly blueberries, protect against age-related memory loss and motor function, according to research at Tufts University. Resveratrol, a polyphenol in red wine, appears to modulate the debilitating neurological mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases as well as stroke, suggesting that this antioxidant protects against degeneration of brain cells. Antioxidant flavones in the herb Ginkgo biloba help slow memory loss, improve blood circulation to the brain and nerves, and prevent oxidative damage. This herb also works to prevent platelets from sticking together to form blood clots, helping patients recover from stroke. Diabetes: Garlic helps control blood sugar levels. Mixed tocopherols in vitamin E reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, making them also useful for people with Type 2 diabetes, Australian research suggests. In more than 1,500 adults with Type 2 diabetes, blood levels of carotenoids (including carotenes, beta cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin) were low, especially among those with impaired glucose metabolism. The bioflavonoid quercetin may protect membranes in the lens of the eye, preventing vision problems associated with diabetes. And antioxidants in curcumin (a component of the spice turmeric) appear to inhibit diabetic retinopathy. Skin: The body's largest organ of detoxification, the skin offers an obvious way to assess freeradical damage in aging. Bioflavonoids, vitamin C, and fat-soluble antioxidants (including vitamin E) fight ultraviolet damage by reducing the number of sunburn cells. Both orally and topically, green tea helps protect skin from sun damage. Vision: "Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among people over 50," says Zimmerman. Antioxidants, including zinc, are cost-effective ways to improve the quality of life among those with macular degeneration. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, found in both the macula and lens of the human eye, are also beneficial in preventing and treating AMD. selected sources 7-Syndrome Healing by Marcia Zimmerman, CN, & Jayson Kroner, CSN ($16.95, Nutrition Solution, 2007) } "Cost-Effectiveness of Vitamin Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration" by D. B. Rein et al., Ophthalmology, 2/21/07 } "Effects of Curcumin on Retinal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Diabetes" by R. A. Kowluru and M. Kanwar, Nutr Metab, 4/16/07 } "Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices . . ." by L. C. Tapsell et al., Med J Aust, 8/21/06 } "Polyphenols and Cancer Cell Growth" by M. Kampa et al., Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol, 6/6/07 } Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC ($24.95, Penguin Group/Avery, 2006) } "Resveratrol-a Boon for Treating Alzheimer's Disease?" by T. S. Anekonda, Brain Res Rev, 9/06

The Benefits of Antioxidants and How to Get Them

By: Maeve Rich

The benefits of antioxidants, a group of vitamins that protect the body against free radicals, the toxic molecules that damage cells and have been linked with heart disease, certain kinds of cancer and macular degeneration, are no farther away than your kitchen. Free radicals are produced naturally, as a result of normal cellular function, and by the environment in the form of ultraviolet radiation and airborne pollutants, including cigarette smoke. Where the Antioxidants Are If you're wondering to find antioxidants, look no further than your crisper drawer, your garden or your local butcher or grocer. Dietary antioxidants occur naturally in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, some nuts, and certain meats and animal products. Other sources of antioxidants include fortified foods like breakfast cereals. If you find it challenging to eat the daily recommended 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables, you can boost your antioxidant intake with multivitamins and supplements. However, getting your antioxidants from food is the better choice. Vitamin A Eat your carrots, and you'll protect your eyesight. Carrots contain carotenoids that convert to one of the more well-known antioxidants: vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a role in vision, reproduction, bone growth and cell function. It also helps stave off infections by aiding in the manufacture of white blood cells. There are two forms of the antioxidant vitamin A: preformed vitamin A that's found in both animal and plant products and provitamin A carotenoid. Preformed vitamin A is absorbed by the body as retinol, one of the more usable forms of vitamin A. You'll find it in liver, whole milk and some fortified foods. The preformed vitamin A found in animal products is absorbed more easily than

plant-based provitamin A, but it's also possible to develop toxic levels of Preformed Vitamin A if you consume large quantities of it over a short period of time. Provitamin A carotenoid is the antioxidant form found mainly in plants. The carotenoid most of us are familiar with is beta-carotene, which converts more efficiently to retinol than other carotenoids. The body absorbs Provitamin A less readily than Preformed Vitamin A, however, it also stops converting to Vitamin A when the body has enough, making it next to impossible to take in too much. Look for this antioxidant in carrots, spinach, kale, peppers, apricots, mangos and peaches. Other Carotenoids Lutein is the carotenoid that gives many fruits their orange or yellow color, but it's also found in dark, leafy greens like kale, collard greens and bok choy. Lutein has been shown to protect against cataracts and macular degeneration. Lycopene is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease prostate cancer and sun damage to your skin. It's also what makes tomatoes red and colors watermelon and pink grapefruit. Watermelon and pink grapefruit contain smaller amounts of lycopene than tomatoes, so if your doctor has recommended adding more lycopene to your diet, focus more on tomatoes. Keep in mind however, that current research indicates the greatest antioxidant benefit is greater when tomatoes are cooked or processed. Choose tomato sauces, pastes and juice blends over slices in your sandwich for the greatest antioxidant benefit. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with strong antioxidant properties that are thought to play a key role in immune function, metabolic processes and repairing DNA. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E for humans. You'll find vitamin E in vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and some fortified foods. When sold as a supplement, the antioxidant Vitamin E may be in the form of alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form of alpha-tocopherol that protects its antioxidant function. Synthetics are labeled D, L while natural forms are simply labeled D. Choose natural over synthetic (D over D,L) to be sure you're taking the most active form. Vitamin C The body requires the antioxidant vitamin C for tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C is necessary for the formation of collagen, the protein that makes skin, tendons, ligaments and your blood vessels. Without it, wounds wouldn't heal and your cartilage, bones and teeth would break down. The body doesn't manufacture the vitamin C on its own; neither can it store it, making daily intake of this antioxidant necessary. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and cannot be stored by the body and cases of toxic levels of Vitamin C are rare. However, doses higher than 2,000mg daily of this antioxidant may result in an upset stomach or diarrhea. All fruits and vegetables contain some vitamin C, but the foods that contain the highest amounts of this antioxidant include citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy green vegetables and green peppers.

Selenium In the case of the antioxidant selenium, the body requires only small amounts to function properly. The role of the selenium is to interact with proteins to manufacture antioxidant enzymes. These antioxidant enzymes are called selenoproteins and may help regulate thyroid function and support the immune system. Selenium deficiencies are rare in the United States, so chances are you're already getting what your body needs plus a little extra. Selenium is another antioxidant you're probably eating without realizing it. The antioxidant selenium is found in beef, cod fish, eggs, cottage cheese, turkey (white meat only), some breads and pastas, oatmeal, walnuts and Brazil nuts. Be aware that all of these selenium-rich foods, Brazil nuts contain the highest concentration. If you're looking to boost your intake of the antioxidant selenium, limit the amount you get from Brazil nuts. Although selenium toxicity is rare in the United States, high selenium blood levels can result in a condition called seleonosis (symptoms include gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss, bad breath, fatigue and mild nerve damage).