Flax Seed Oil and Antioxidant Lignans

Flax Seed Oil and Antioxidant Lignans

Flax seed oil is otherwise known as linseed oil, which has served to protect countless cricket bats, against the onslaught of fast bowlers and the like.  However, in its flax seed oil guise, it is available as a supplement that is useful for health purposes, not least amongst which, is as an antioxidant free radical buster.

You might consider that if flaxseed oil is good enough to protect cricket bats, it's good enough to protect you from free radicals, although they are more like brickbats when they attack our cellular systems!

So, What Is Flax Seed Oil

Flax seed oil, as you might have guessed is obtained from flax seeds, that have long been used as a herbal preparation for digestive and other ailments.  But flax seed oil is also believed to contain large amounts vitamins, minerals, beneficial fats, and lignans.  It is the lignans, as highly effective antioxidants, that are considered to be so useful in controlling free radicals.  Therefore, flaxseed oil is helpful in neutralizing free radicals that are such a health hazard if allowed to get out of control.

Flaxseed Oil Antioxidant Lignans

The lignans in flaxseed oil are antioxidant molecules that are able to counter free radicals.  In fact flaxseed oil is the richest source of these beneficial antioxidant lignans, which assist with other health problems, as well as free radicals.

Used as an antioxidant the lignans in flaxseed oil are effective in preventing cellular damage.  Studies have shown that flaxseed oil has several times the lignans content, of other grains and vegetables.  But remember that as well as being a rich source of the antioxidant lignans, flaxseed oil can provide other health benefits.

We seem to live in an age when so much health advice is handed out, by government departments and suchlike, that you might wonder if people have forgotten how to take care of themselves.  Rest assured that there are many who have not, who appreciate the availability of health products such as flax seed oil, and happily enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

Anti Aging Antioxidants

Anti Aging Antioxidants
Anti Aging Antioxidants and Free Radicals

Studies have shown that cells have a limited number of cell divisions in a person's life span before they lose their capacity to the aging process, but it appears that whereas free radicals can hasten progression, antiaging antioxidants can slow it down. (antiaging, sometimes spelled anti aging, or anti-aging)

Researchers suggest that by the time a person reaches the age of 20, the majority of body cells have used up about 50% of the cell divisions that were initially available. Therefore by the age of 40, cells may be limited to 30 per cent of their original capacity to divide. This provides a brief understanding of the physical changes that occur, not only internally but also externally as the body reacts to the aging process. But what effect do anti aging antioxidants have?

As aging continues cells will finally exhaust their naturally allocated cell divisions, and the end result is death. It is a predictable consequence of the aging process and there is no way of completely stopping it. However, there is an antioxidant antiaging way to slow it down. Researchers have discovered the means to provide new expectations, through rejuvenating and extending the lifespan of cells, with antiaging antioxidants.

Do Free Radicals Cause Aging?

There have been numerous studies concentrated on finding an answer to aging. Free radicals have been implicated as a large part of the problem, with antiaging antioxidants emerging as something of an antidote. The studies seem to demonstrate that the greater the number of free radicals in your body, the quicker the aging process proceeds.

You are probably aware that free radicals are, unstable oxygen atoms that occur after a natural bodily process known as oxidation. Free radicals are not always harmful, and in some circumstances they can be beneficial. Health issues arise when surplus free radicals that are not controlled with anti aging antioxidants, do not discriminate between healthy and harmful molecules, and “attack” healthy cells. Massive cellular, and tissue damage, can result, leading to serious diseases, and hastening the aging process.

Natural Supply of Anti Aging Antioxidants

In their persistent endeavor to find a way of slowing down the aging process, researchers have discovered anti aging antioxidants. These are substances that counter free radicals and prevent them from doing harm to cell tissue. Our bodies are unable to produce the anti aging antioxidants, but fortunately Mother Nature is a good provider. Therefore, we are able to rely on plants to supply most of the anti aging antioxidants we need.

The human race is not always fully appreciative of the balance that nature can restore in our lives. Fortunately, there is a wide range of fruit and vegetables available to assist with our need for anti aging antioxidants. They are all available free of prescription requirements. Therefore, you can prescribe as much as you require to meet your own requirements, although between 5 - 9 helpings per day is the recommended dose. It's as easy ABC, because all you need to remember is to have your daily intake of Apples, Broccoli, and Carrots, along with other fruits and vegetables.

It goes without saying that anti aging antioxidants will help to keep you young. It seems to be a win, win situation so it's almost criminal not to bother.

Free Radicals And Antioxidants - Easy as ABC

Free Radicals And Antioxidants - Easy as ABC

It is good to know that antioxidants are easily available to maintain the balance, and deal with any excess of free radicals. It is as simple as ABC. Just think of Apples, Bananas, and Cauliflowers, because plenty of antioxidants are found inside the 5 - 9 fruit and vegetables, that you are always being advised to take in your food.

Consider 5 fruits and vegetables as a minimum, because you should realize, you will get better antioxidant protection against free radicals from 6 - 9 portions than 5! Just as many fruits and vegetables have an abundance of antioxidants, there are other foods that are unfavorable.

Free Radicals And Antioxidants - Are All Fats Bad?

A high fat diet can substantially increase free radical output, and it is generally accepted that saturated fat is responsible for free radical problems. But, the situation is complicated as not all fats are loaded with free radicals. A good place to start would be to strive to steer clear of saturated fats, including animal meat, and all fried foods. There are other fats, such as fish oils, which current researches suggest are actually helpful, but trans fats, frequently used in shop bought cakes, biscuits etc. are best left alone.

Free Radicals And Antioxidants - The Environment

Unfortunately, our intake of free radicals is not solely from food, but also from environmental pollutants, such as factory emissions, cigarette smoke, and the like. You could not possibly avoid them all, but a good way to protect yourself, is by an applied knowledge of antioxidants. There are scrumptious fruits and vegetables, in plentiful supply, to help your cause, but you have to be certain that you are getting enough, by aiming for the top of the recommended consumption, of 9 helpings per day.

Free Radicals And Antioxidants - Watch Your Diet

Antioxidant food is vital to your healthy lifestyle, but if you need further safeguards you could consider vitamin supplements. You would normally get all your Vitamin C from your fruit and vegetable consumption, but it's good to take Vitamin E as well. Vitamin E is found in almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and green leafy vegetables. Of course the vitamins are particularly good if they are an integral part of the foods you eat. Supplements are obtainable, in various forms, but it is wise to discuss such requirements with a qualified advisor.

You will know from this brief article, that antioxidants will assist you to remain healthy, by counteracting free radicals. All you need is the determination to make certain there are sufficient antioxidants included in your diet. If you do not give appropriate consideration to your eating habits, you must accept the consequences. But, you know, that if free radicals are kept under control, the possibility of getting severely ill is much less.

Free Radicals And Antioxidants

Free Radicals And Antioxidants

Plenty of publicity has been related to free radicals and antioxidants, but do you know what they are and how they affect your wellbeing?

Another name for an unstable oxygen atom is a free radical. As you will remember, from your school days, an atom has a nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons, around which electrons circulate. This is fine when the electrons are in pairs, but problems are present when an electron is not paired, as with unstable oxygen atoms. Then the free radicals steal electrons from normal, or stable body cells and set up a process called oxidation.

Free Radicals And Antioxidants - Oxidation

Antioxidants have been proven to limit the effect of oxidation in the body caused by free radicals, or to put it more succinctly, antioxidants defend you from free radical damage. Make no mistake about it that antioxidants shield you from several of the most severe diseases, including heart disease, cancer, strokes, arthritis, and many other conditions. Some people even believe that an adequate amount of antioxidants in their diets may delay the onset of old age!

You may fairly wonder just where the dreadful free radicals come from, but to be honest they might not be as terrible as you think. Free radicals may also assist the body to fight germs, so it is an excess of free radicals that causes health problems, and not the whole amount.

Isn't it alarming, to think that people should require to be consistently reminded how to remain in good health? Whereas most people are inclined to do almost anything to protect their cars from oxidation, or rusting, they are unwilling to defend themselves, from free radical damage. For sure the car will quickly deteriorate if rusting is permitted to get worse, but our bodies will become "rusty" if free radicals are not stopped in their tracks. By all means tend to your car, but you should make your number one priority caring for yourself. A good place to start is consuming 5 - 9 fruit and vegetables per day, and seeking the advantages of the antioxidants they include.

Best Antioxidants

It seems that purple berries are recognized as being amongst the best antioxidants.  But, wait a minute; we were always told that blueberries were number one!

It's a bit like asking who your favorite film star is, but even more of a question of taste!  However, some studies now suggest that black currant, elderberry, and chokeberry, lumped together as purple berries, are the best antioxidants in town.

Current thinking seems to be that the darker the color of the berries, the higher they climb in the best antioxidant ratings.  Research is now supporting the color theory, and that purple berries may be 50% higher in best antioxidants content, than some lighter varieties.  So it does appear that they might not just be lighter in color, but lighter in content as well!
 
Some researchers are predicting that purple berries will become more commercial, as they become better known as being amongst the best antioxidants.  They believe they will be used more extensively in health drinks, health foods, and supplements as demand increases.

It is not only purple berries that are emerging as best antioxidants, because beans, artichokes, and Russet potatoes, are also gaining recognition.  Beans have always been associated with natural health, hence the adage - full of beans.  However, it was not necessarily thought that full of beans also meant, being full of the best antioxidants, but it's worth a thought.

A recent study involved testing over 100 foods to find the best antioxidants.  The foods included, fruit and vegetables, as well as nuts and spices.  Purple berries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries, ranked highest in the fruits, whilst beans and artichokes were confirmed as the best antioxidants, in the vegetable classes.

All of the studies concerning the best antioxidants are interesting, but all you really need to remember to benefit your natural health is to choose wisely, and get the 5 - 9 recommended daily helpings of fruit and vegetables.

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Chocolate Antioxidants

Chocolate can be good for you but choose wisely because the darker it is the more antioxidants will it contain. So as a rule of thumb, plain chocolate contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate and white chocolate contains hardly any.

Of course, even with dark chocolate, moderation is the key. However, that is true of most healthy foods. Just because they are rich in antioxidants doesn't mean that you should gorge yourself! Nevertheless, it is good to know that something as delicious as chocolate can actually do you good, when sweets in general are not so highly thought of.

Antioxidants are known to assist in preventing a range of serious diseases, so it is a good idea to include foods that contain them in a healthy diet. There are many berry fruits that are rich in antioxidants and again a similar rule seems to apply as with chocolate. Generally speaking the darker the color of the berry the more antioxidants they contain. So blueberries, blackberries and the like are ideal. They could perhaps be combined with a little grated dark chocolate to form the basis of an interesting sweet course!

Please Click Here to visit the Antioxidants Advice Web Site

Try to choose dark chocolate that has a minimum of 40% cocoa bean content and you won't go far wrong. All too often some people consider sensible healthy diets to be dull and boring, but of course they couldn't be more wrong.

All chocolate lovers need to remember is that a small amount consumed on most days could do you good. Try to avoid the blended kinds, such as milk chocolate, and stick to the antioxidant rich darker varieties. Just don't forget that dark chocolate is the real thing that can be safely included in a naturally healthy diet.

Antioxidant Rich Purple Tomatoes - Issues

Purple tomatoes, rich in antioxidants, have been developed at the John Innes Center in the UK. As these are genetically modified products they may not be welcomed by the natural health fraternity.

It is suggested that one purple tomato is as rich in antioxidants as a spoonful of cranberries. That may be so, but why then not stick with the cranberries, or similar fruits that have not been genetically modified?

Please Click Here to visit the Antioxidants Advice Web Site

Seemingly, the argument postulated by those who are pro genetically modified food, is that many people do not eat the a recommended minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, to assist in maintaining good health. However, most of those who are interested in natural health do make sure that they consume at least the recommended minimums. Moreover, as far as it is possible they determine that their intake is from natural sources.

Other critics, who relate genetic modification to factory farming, are not happy about these developments. It is a controversial subject, but one about which everybody should have the right to make up our own minds. Consumers should always be given a choice, with clear labelling, specifying whether food had been genetically modified being a legal requirement.

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