Benefits of Antioxidants - Stop Your Cells From Rusting

By Dr. Steve Tuggle

The benefits of antioxidants will significantly improve your health and even prolong your life. In recent years antioxidants have been widely written about in health and fitness publications. However, there is still a general lack of understanding regarding the tremendous benefits of antioxidants.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about these amazing nutrients.

What is oxidation?

Oxidation is what happens when oxygen comes into contact and interacts with molecules of another substance. Although there are some instances when this is a good thing, we are more familiar with destructive instances of oxidation. These would include the rusting of metals or the spoiling of food. Oxidation is also a process that affects the cells and organs of our body. Antioxidants, as the name implies, helps prevent the destructive processes associated with oxidation in the human body.

Exactly how does oxidation occur in my body?

Oxygen, of course, is essential to human life. This is known as stable oxygen. There is a second form of oxygen in our body that is unstable. This unstable oxygen is referred to as free radicals. We derive some benefits from these free radicals when they exist in small amounts. For example, they can help fight certain diseases. On the other hand, when our bodies are challenged in certain ways we get flooded with these free radicals and they cause significant destruction.

It is these free radicals that begin the oxidation process and our body's cells begin "rusting." These free radicals search for healthy cells to which they attach themselves. Ultimately they will cause destructive changes in those cells to which they are attached.

What can cause oxidation changes to occur in my body?

We are constantly bombarded externally and internally with potential oxidative enemies. By knowing some of the major ones we can take measures to help prevent or minimize destructive and oftentimes irreversible cellular damage.

Here are a few challenges we can face with the potential to cause bodily oxidation:

• air pollution

• cigarette smoke

• ultraviolet light

• pesticides

• exercise that is too intense

• alcohol

• aging process

• stress

• dehydration

Why should I be concerned about free radicals?

Quite simply, free radicals cause disease. They cause heart disease, cancer, premature aging, and other disease processes.

What can I do to fight against oxidation and its destruction?

Consuming healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants is the best way. Antioxidant supplements can also be taken but should not be used in place of a healthy diet.

What are some of the specific benefits of antioxidants?

When we consume even small amounts of antioxidants we are offered protection from many types of cancers, eye cataracts, macular degeneration, premature aging, and other disease processes.

You should strongly consider improving your diet to include sufficient amounts of antioxidants. The health benefits could improve your life span as well as your wellness span.

Dr. Steve Tuggle is a practicing dentist, certified personal trainer (ACE, ACSM), certified wellness coach, life coach, ordained minister, and internet entrepreneur. You can learn more about how to improve your health and wellness at http://www.elite-wellness-coaching.com

For more information on HOW TO LOSE BELLY FAT and a few more BENEFITS of ANTIOXIDANTS visit http://www.elite-wellness-coaching.com/benefits-of-antioxidants.html

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