Tag Archives: Antioxidant

30 Sep

Anti-Aging Through Nutrition and Fitness

As we get older, our energy begins to decrease and our vulnerability to illness increases. Our skin loses its elasticity, our heads lose hair, and our bodies gain fat, while we become more prone to arthritis, diabetes, memory loss, and cardiac problems. Aging is inevitable, but healthy food choices and exercise habits can help us extend our lives, and make us feel and look much younger.

This page is an entrance to the world of healthy foods that can and will help you stay younger, live healthier and longer life. It is the main anti ageing recipe that you should follow. Even though this website is dedicated to foods it is a whole lifestyle that brings the best results. So at the end there are also some pointer for what else can you do to slow down the ageing process.

After you read this page browse through other articles on this website that will give you more detailed insight into minerals, super green foods, superfoods, whole food vitamins, resveratrol, and other benefits of anti-ageing foods.

But first lets start with foods that you should include in your diet – vegetables and fruits…

VEGETABLES

If you are looking for the fountain of youth, look no further than your vegetable garden. Spinach, corn, kale, broccoli, beets, onions, eggplant and red bell peppers score highest on the antioxidant scale. Antioxidants protect our bodies against oxidation, or cellular damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants have shown to be effective in the prevention of retinal diseases such as macular degeneration. Genistein, a substance found soybeans, fava beans and alfalfa sprouts, has been shown to inhibit the production of certain enzymes that activate the cancer genes. Cooking vegetables destroys much of their vitamins, antioxidant power, and nutritional value. Most vegetables are more nutritious raw than cooked. (Tomatoes being the exception, cooking them makes it easier for our bodies to absorb their nutrients.) Shop organic whenever possible, and eat vegetables within a week of purchase.

FRUITS

Getting the right enzymes and nutrients is vital for repairing the skin and stimulating cell turnover. As we grow older our bodies become depleted of their natural enzymes. Our cells gradually stop dividing and lose the ability to renew themselves, affecting every organ in our bodies, most noticeably, the skin. Fruits are loaded with vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants, which can help save our cells from aging prematurely.

Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes and plums pack the most antioxidant punch for fruits. In addition, apples, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries and grapes contain ellagic acid, a natural insect repellent, that has demonstrated the ability to hinder the development of tumors within the body. This is accomplished by its ability to reduce the enzymes in the body that are utilized by mutated cancer cells. Studies of the apple also indicated that the fruit stimulates the production of collagen, a necessary component in the skin for maintaining the smoothness and elasticity that is characteristic of a youthful appearance.

SUPPLEMENTS

For many of us, it can be difficult to maintain a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in our daily diets. Supplements, like vitamins C, D, A and E, or a good multivitamin can help fill in the nutrition gaps.

Vitamin C

Tomatoes are a source of lycopene

One of the most commonly used supplements is vitamin C, found in oranges, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, papaya, and yellow and orange peppers. Vitamin C is an antioxidant essential for wound repair and tissue maintenance. Deficiency of Vitamin C leads to scurvy, depression, the formation of brown spots on the skin, and softened gums that can cause the teeth to fall out. Smokers who have diets low in vitamin C are at a higher risk of lung-borne illnesses than those who have higher levels of vitamin C in the blood. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C in adults is 75 – 90mg.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is found in food sources such as fatty fish, eggs, and milk, and is also absorbed from exposure to sunlight thru the skin. New research on vitamin D appears to show an ability to prevent a myriad of cancers and other illnesses in people receiving significantly higher dosages than the common recommended daily allowance of 400IU. This new information has lead many researchers to believe that the majority of the population is deficient in Vitamin D, and they are not aware of it. Deficiency of Vitamin D can result in weak or misshapen bones, rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. The best natural source of Vitamin D is the sun, but since the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause skin cancer and premature aging, supplementation is on the rise.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential to the function of the reproductive systems, brain development, immune function, skin health, antioxidant activity, bone metabolism, and vision. Broccoli, carrots, kale, pumpkin, collard greens, and sweet potatoes are the richest food sources for vitamin A. High doses of vitamin A (isotretinoin) have been successful in treating severe nodular acne that is resistant to other treatments, because of it’s ability to reduce the secretion of sebum and the size of the sebaceous glands. Deficiency of Vitamin A causes blindness, impaired immunity, hypokeratosis (white lumps at hair follicles), and keratosis pilaris, while excess vitamin A has been shown to cause birth defects, headaches, hair loss, severe dryness of the skin, jaundice, blurry vision, and mood changes. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for adults is 4000IU.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to significantly decrease oxidative stress and blood pressure, contribute to cardiovascular and prostate health, and boost immune response. Spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds and seed oils, collard greens, beets, tomatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and avocados are rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is commonly added to creams and lotions, as well as taken orally, to treat dry and aging skin. The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin E for adults is 400IU.

EXERCISE

Fitness is of utmost importance as we age. This doesn’t necessarily mean working out at the gym every day, but taking walks, cycling, dancing, and gardening are fun activities that help us stay healthy and mobile. A persistent sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, high blood pressure, kidney stones, diabetes, and colon cancer. Maintaining muscular strength will improve posture, increase balance, and prevent the development of osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis and many other diseases linked to a lack of physical exercise.

FOODS AND SUBSTANCES TO AVOID

Fast foods and sodas are filled with empty calories that pack on weight, while providing little nutritional value to our diets. New research has also shown that a high-sugar diet deactivates our body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving you more vulnerable to sun damage, and causing dull skin and wrinkles. Instead of drinking sugary sodas, try a nice antioxidant-packed green tea, sweetened with honey. Honey is a great natural sweetener that is high in vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, and potassium and packed with amino acids.

Smoking has well known health risks, but did you know it causes accelerated aging second only to sun exposure? Smoking inhibits absorption of vitamin C and breaks down the supply of collagen to the skin’s structure. Smoking is also linked to early onset of menopause in women. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and inhibits the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to liver problems, bone loss, weight gain and osteoporosis.

Junk food, alcohol, and other vices, like most things, should be enjoyed in moderation. Remember, it is far more difficult to reverse the signs of aging than it is to prevent it. Developing healthy food and exercise habits at a young age will help us look and feel younger, healthier, and happier well into our senior years.

03 Mar

Health Benefits of Tomato Juice

You may already have heard tomato juice described as a “super food” but you may not know exactly why it was placed in this healthy food category. The health benefits of tomato juice are numerous and range from cancer fighting properties to heart and bone health. One look at the list of vitamins and minerals can help you understand just how beneficial this juice can be for the human body. With vitamins C, A, K, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and the minerals potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus; along with protein, fiber and lycopene, it’s easy to see that tomato juice can be very beneficial for your overall health.

The Antioxidant Lycopene

Lycopene is a very unique antioxidant that is found to be abundant in tomato juice. It helps the human body rid itself of free radicals that damage your cells. Because of this ability to defend your cells, lycopene has been proven to help your body prevent nearly every type of cancer by flushing out carcinogens while also defending your body against atherosclerosis, heart disease, and even heart attacks. It is even believed by many scientists that this super antioxidant can help to prevent osteoporosis by encouraging bone health. Also, it has been shown that lycopene can reverse skin damage from ultraviolet light because of its strong antioxidant properties.

Health benefits of tomato juice

Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

If you are one of the many people suffering from high blood pressure or an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol, then you may want to start drinking more tomato juice. The good source of potassium you get in a cup of tomato juice helps regulate blood pressure. The fiber and vitamin B3 in this juice will help to lower bad cholesterol.

Prevent Heart Attacks and Stroke

Potassium also helps your heart (as well as the other muscles in your body) to function properly, which can prevent a heart attack. At the same time, there are compounds called platelet factors that help to prevent blood clots. This can also prevent heart attacks and even strokes. The vitamin B6 helps breakdown homocystene, a compound that damages your blood vessels, keeping your heart and major blood vessels healthy.

Increase Bone and Joint Health

I mentioned earlier about lycopene protecting bones and keeping them healthy. The Vitamin C in tomato juice also keeps bones and teeth healthy. There are many great antioxidants in tomatoes that help defend your bones against free radicals. A recent scientific study showed that taking tomatoes completely out of someone’s diet actually became detrimental to their bone density.

Tomato Juice Will Boost Your Immune System

Of course with the excellent source of vitamin C, you probably already realize tomatoes are good for your immune system. The antioxidants and vitamin A are also good for boosting your immune system. The B vitamins and amino acids also help your immune system because they are important for building those immune system cells. With a healthy immune system you are less likely to become ill and, if you do get sick, you will fight it off much more quickly.

Other Health Benefits Of Tomato Juice

Tomato juice has been shown to help prevent certain cases of Alzheimer’s disease possibly due to the rich source of antioxidants. Tomatoes also seem to help people manage their diabetes better and even reduce obesity. In animal studies, consuming tomato juice appears to prevent emphysema, probably because of the great source of antioxidants protecting the lungs. On top of these benefits the B vitamins in tomato juice can give you more energy, improve your memory and make you feel better overall.

Every day scientists are uncovering more health benefits of this super food and, although many more disease preventions are associated with the tomato, it is not yet understood how the preventive properties work. More research is being conducted to affirm and determine the true health potential of this amazing fruit. It is like a tasty wonder drug with no negative side effects.

17 Feb

Health Benefits of Tangerine Juice

Aside from being sweet and flavorful, tangerine juice has many benefits for your health. In terms of nutritional value and disease-fighting properties, tangerine juice has several advantages over orange juice. From protecting you from diseases and cancer to keeping you fuller longer, this juice has a health benefit for nearly everyone.

Nutritional Value – The Source Of The Health Benefits Of Tangerine Juice

Tangerine juice has all of the tangy flavor of orange juice but with added nutrition. This juice is an excellent source of many antioxidants, such as hesperetin, xanthins, lutein, beta-carotene, and narigenin. Anti-oxidants eliminate free radicals that can cause cancer, as well as fight aging. The anti-oxidant beta cryptoxanthin may reduce inflammation from arthritis. Lutein protects the eyes and helps you keep your eyesight sharp. The flavenoid tangeretin is a powerful agent that has been shown in studies to prevent skin cancer and helps stop the spread of breast-cancer cells. The flavonoids tangeretin and nobiletin have blood thinning and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce your risk of heart attacks.

Tangerine

Additionally, tangerine juice is chock-full of vitamin C, which boosts your immunity. Consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C helps your body fight infections from the common cold to the flu. In addition to helping increase your immune function, vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, and helps boost wound healing.

Tangerine juice contains folic acid and potassium, and it is also an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes regularity. Being regular has been proven to reduce your risk for developing some forms of cancer, such as colon cancer. The fiber also helps prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol. Fiber whisks some of the cholesterol content from your food out of your system, which can lower your blood levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.

One serving of tangerine juice provides 20-percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. This is 10-times as much vitamin A as orange juice. Vitamin A is instrumental in protecting your eyesight, promoting immune function and bone and tissue health. The vitamin A in tangerine juice may also stimulate cell growth and cell division.

Antiseptic Properties

Tangerines have natural germ-fighting properties. Tangerine juice may help your body defend itself against an infection from the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is highly contagious and causes painful lesions and boils on the skin, particularly on the face or in other tender areas such as the groin or the armpits.

Tangerines

In addition to fighting harmful bacteria, the pectin in tangerine juice has been proven to help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria improve digestion and increases your body’s ability to defend against harmful bacteria which can cause inflammation and intestinal disorders. When harmful bacteria enter the gut, beneficial bacteria help usher the bad bacteria out of your system before they can cause an infection.

Diet Support

Tangerine juice is an excellent way to start your day if you are dieting. The fiber and carbohydrates in the juice help keep you feeling full, which will prevent over-indulgence later on. Additionally, the sweet finish of the tangerine flavor can help prevent the cravings for sugar that can derail a diet.

Health benefits of tangerine juice

Starting your day with tangerine juice is a tasty and healthy way to boost your immunity, bolster your digestive and tissue health and protect your body against the ravages of cancer. Tangerine juice is powerful enough to do all of those things, yet it is so tangy-sweet and flavorful that you will forget all about its many health benefits and simply enjoy the flavor.

07 Feb

Health Benefits of Mulberry Juice

The health benefits of mulberries are numerous; mulberries have been used since ancient times as a way of curing a number of ailments, though the nutritional and health benefits of mulberries – and subsequently, mulberry juice – were widely unknown until much more recently. In the past, mulberries were used to help treat people that suffered from the cold and other health problems, including digestion issues. Today, mulberries are used to create juices that are healthful and beneficial to everyone that drinks them for more than simply curing the common cold and digestive problems.

 

Mulberry Juice Treats Anemia

Anemia is used to describe a low level of iron in a person’s body. Those with anemia often find that they are dizzy and experience heart palpitations and that they exhibit an unattractive pallor. Mulberry juice can help fight the symptoms of anemia because it is rich with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. The juice in mulberries promotes the production of the correct body fluids, which includes iron. Consuming mulberries and/or mulberry juice regularly will help your body produce the correct amount of iron, which will reduce your anemic symptoms.
Mulberries have the highest choline content

Insomnia

Mulberry juice is one of the leading ways to cure insomnia. The fact that it helps the body produce all of the correct chemicals and body fluids means that your body needn’t work overtime to produce these fluids and sleep comes easier. Your body needs adequate levels of a number of chemicals in order to allow you to sleep well. If you suffer from insomnia and want to try mulberry juice as a cure for your inability to sleep you should; eating mulberries or drinking mulberry juice on a regular basis will have you noticing an improvement in your sleep patterns before too long.

Stomach Issues and the Benefits of Mulberry Juice

Because it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, mulberry juice is helpful in treating and correcting a number of issues that people experience with their stomachs and digestive tracts. First and foremost, mulberry juice prevents constipation, which plagues so many people. It also enhances the appetite, which encourages people to eat a healthier and better diet, not allowing them to skip a meal which is horrible for the health. Mulberry juice is also a good way to improve digestion, which means far less issues with your stomach. In some cases, it has been known to cure hepatitis and gastritis, both of which are diseases that are difficult for sufferers.

Anti-Aging Abilities

Anthocyanins and resveratrol are active constituents that are found in mulberries. The constituent resveratrol is widely known as “the fountain of youth” because it has numerous anti-aging benefits. In addition, it also contains anti-cancer agents and body cleansing agents. Mulberry juice is thought by experts to have the ability to prolong the onset of wrinkles in the skin and the appearance of grey hair. The other active constituent found in mulberry juice, anthocyanins, contains a vast array of antioxidants that have health benefits of their own. For example, some of the antioxidants found in mulberry juice have the ability to cure a number of ailments, which is the reason why in ancient times they were used to treat colds and digestive issues. The antioxidants found in mulberries have an absorbency rate that takes much longer than the rate of juice from other fruits, which is why it is so effective with its anti-aging abilities. Mulberry juice works to fight aging whether the signs of aging have already started or not.If you already have wrinkles and are noticing grey hairs starting to show you can start drinking mulberry juice immediately to slow the process. If you are still young and think you have years before the signs of aging start to affect you, start drinking mulberry juice now. That way you will have even more years to enjoy your youthful appearance before age begins to show.

07 Feb

Which Fruit Has The Highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) – The Most Antioxidants?

Antioxidants

Mentioning antioxidants goes hand in hand with another frequently used term – free radicals. We have an interesting and in depth article on both free radicals and antioxidants if you follow these links so I won’t go much into details here. But I do urge you to read both articles to better understand what are antioxidants, what are free radicals, how do they interact and what consequences do they have on our bodies and our health.

But to sum it up in short – an antioxidant is a molecule that counteracts the process of oxidation in animal tissue. Free radical is a highly unstable molecule that is formed as a by-product of our body’s natural metabolism or as a result of environmental influences. Free radicals are thought to be the cause of degradation within our bodies. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals and stop cellular damage before it starts.

Mangosteen - rich in antioxidants

Top Fruits For Antioxidant Content

The amounts of antioxidants are given for 100g of each fruit. Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values are given as micromol Trolox equivalents (TE). To find out more about this – go here.

Also – different sources cite quite different ORAC values for each fruit. For instance – quite often blueberries can be found higher on the list and mangosteen much lower on the list. This data was collected from a few different sources (mainly from oracvalues.com and nutrition-and-you.com) and is unfortunately not considered to be 100% correct as (we assume) goes for any data that you can find about ORAC levels. We imagine that this has also a lot to do with the origin and state of the fruits tested and the testing methods themselves.

Anyway – this list is still a good approximate of the ORAC values of each fruit and can tell you which fruits are antioxidant rich and which are not so rich.

1 Mangosteen 20.000,00 µ mol TE
2 Elderberry 14.697,00 µ mol TE
3 Pomegranate 10.500,00 µ mol TE
4 Cranberry 9.584,00 µ mol TE
5 Blackcurrant 7.950,00 µ mol TE
6 Plum 7.581,00 µ mol TE
7 Apple 5.900,00 µ mol TE
8 Blueberry 5.562,00 µ mol TE
9 Blackberry 5.347,00 µ mol TE
10 Raspberry 5.065,00 µ mol TE
11 Strawberry 4.188,00 µ mol TE
12 Cherry (sweet) 3.747,00 µ mol TE
13 Redcurrant 3.387,00 µ mol TE
14 Gooseberry 3.332,00 µ mol TE
15 Fig 3.200,00 µ mol TE
16 Guava 2.550,00 µ mol TE
17 Grape 2.389,00 µ mol TE
18 Tangerine 1.620,00 µ mol TE
19 Lemon 1.346,00 µ mol TE
20 Peach 1.300,00 µ mol TE
21 Apricot 1.115,00 µ mol TE
22 Kiwi 862,00 µ mol TE
23 Banana 795,00 µ mol TE
24 Orange 726,00 µ mol TE
25 Pear 704,00 µ mol TE
26 Carrot 697,00 µ mol TE
27 Pumpkin 483,00 µ mol TE
28 Grapefruit 460,00 µ mol TE
29 Tomato 387,00 µ mol TE
30 Pineapple 385,00 µ mol TE
31 Melon (Cantaloupe) 319,00 µ mol TE
32 Papaya 300,00 µ mol TE
33 Mango 300,00 µ mol TE
34 Watermelon 142,00 µ mol TE
35 Cucumber 140,00 µ mol TE
36 Lime 82,00 µ mol TE

 

03 Feb

What Are Antioxidants?

Most people have heard of antioxidants and their relationship to free radicals but what exactly is it all about? Where do antioxidants come from? How do they benefit us? And can there be such a thing as too many antioxidants?

What are antioxidants?

An antioxidant, as its name implies, is a molecule that counteracts the process of oxidation in animal tissue. Antioxidants can either be nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, or enzymes, proteins occurring naturally in the body to aid with chemical processes.

How are they formed?

Some antioxidants occur naturally within the body, whilst others need to be ingested. Those that occur naturally include lipoic acid, and CoQ10. However, levels of these declines as we age, so supplements are often needed.

The most common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C and E. As our bodies cannot manufacture these vitamins themselves, they have to be acquired through diet and/or supplements.

How and why do they affect our bodies?

Our bodies are remarkable in that millions of processes are occurring at any one time. In order for these processes to happen, the body needs oxygen as a power source. Unfortunately, these processes cause a powerful and destructive side effect in the form of oxidants, which are better known as free radicals. Antioxidants protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are formed as a by-product of our body’s natural metabolism. They are also a result of environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and radiation. The same process of oxidation that causes rust, breaking down and weakening metal, occurs in our bodies, producing free radicals.

Antioxidant - Vitamin C

How do antioxidants fight free radicals?

Free radicals are thought to be the cause of degradation within our bodies, leading to premature ageing, heart disease, and cancer. Because free radicals are so unstable, they attack molecules in our body, causing a chain reaction which makes that molecule become a free radical also, leading to the eventual death of a cell.

Antioxidants work by attaching themselves to free radicals without becoming a free radical themselves, and so breaking the chain reaction. Antioxidants instead neutralize the free radical by either donating or receiving an electron. Once complete, the process stop cellular damage before it starts.

However, as soon as an antioxidant neutralizes a free radical, it becomes inactive itself. Because of this, it’s important to maintain a good supply of antioxidants.

Different antioxidants

There are several types of antioxidants, all of which hold a unique function:

• Vitamin A and beta-carotene – these water soluble vitamins are thought to be the best neutralizer of an uncharged form of oxygen that is very toxic to cells.

• Vitamin C is another water soluble vitamin that works alongside vitamin E to hunt and neutralize free radicals within the more watery environments in the body, and especially within cells themselves.

• Vitamin E – unlike vitamins A and C, vitamin E is fat soluble, which means it can only dissolve in fat. Because of this, Vitamin E protects cell membranes from damage by free radicals. It is also of particular benefit to cholesterol levels by protecting oxidation from occurring within LDLs, or ‘bad’ cholesterol.

• Selenium, manganese and zinc. These minerals are trace elements our bodies need to survive, and are our primary line of defense when it comes to destroying free radicals.

• CoEnzyme Q10, uric acid, and phytochemicals. These are extra nutrients that have antioxidant properties, protecting the body from free radicals.

So what are the most common sources of antioxidants?

OrangesAntioxidants are found in abundance in fruit and vegetables, as well as grains and beans. Fruit and vegetables in particular, are so recognized in the fight against free radicals, that health and food departments globally now recommend that people eat five portions of fruit and vegetables everyday as part of the fight against cancer.

 

As mentioned before, our bodies cannot manufacture most forms of antioxidants, and even those we can make ourselves are reduced as we age. Therefore, it’s important to know how to increase our intake of these compounds and thus reduce the risk of free radical damage as much as possible.

• Vitamin A is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, kale, peaches and apricots.

• Vitamin C is particularly abundant in citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, lime and grapefruit. It is also found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables.

• Vitamin E can be found mostly in whole grain, nuts and seeds.

• Selenium is found in large quantities in fish, grains, eggs and red meat.

• Phytochemicals are found in purple grapes and red wine, and are also in large amounts in tea.

Carrots

Is it possible to have too many antioxidants?

As with most things, it is possible to have too much antioxidants – too much of a good thing. Studies have shown that problems can arise if one nutrient is excessively high, for example, excess levels of beta-carotene can turn the skin orange.

30 Jan

What Are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are of great concern to anyone who wants to stay healthy. You’ve probably heard of how dangerous these substances are and how important the antioxidants that fight them are, but few truly understand the difference. Fortunately, this quick guide will teach you all you need to know.

Understanding free radicals involves learning a little bit about their chemical background. Your body is made up of many connected parts. The organs and tissues that form these parts are all made of cells. In simple terms, each cell is an independent unit that processes its own waste and ingests nutrients, in addition to performing various other functions.

Pollution, especially air pollution is a big source of free radicals

Pollution, especially air pollution is a big source of free radicals

The Chemistry That Drives Our Cells

How do cells work? The answer varies depending on the particular cell. Some generate the energy used to move muscles and others send nervous impulses, but all are powered by chemical reactions. These reactions, or interactions between the electrons that surround every atom in the universe, also occur within our bodies. Without the many different molecules, or groups of atoms, that chemical reactions produce, we could not survive.

Chemical Reactions: All About Charge

Chemical reactions usually result in bonds between specialized molecules, creating compounds like vitamins, minerals and other substances used to build cells. Reactions occur because some molecules have positive and negative electrical charges as a result of the way their electrons are arranged. In most cases, chemical reactions keep occurring until these charges have been balanced or canceled out completely.

Smoking equals more free radicals in our body

Smoking equals more free radicals in our body

Free Radicals: Unbalanced Products

Sometimes, however, reactions produce free radicals. In chemical terms, radicals are sort of unbalanced factors. These molecules retain charges for any number of reasons, depending on the reactions that formed them.

Because charges are what attract atoms to each other, free radicals that have unbalanced charges are very reactive. Free radicals are far more likely to cause chemical changes than other balanced molecules, and these changes can be harmful or helpful.

While some free radicals are necessary to biological functions or occur as intermediate stages of more complex reactions, others sit around with no use, waiting until they contact anything they can react with. As your body is a whole mass of atoms and chemical compounds, free radicals usually don’t have to travel that far to find something they can mess up.

Free Radicals All Around

A very common radical reaction you’re probably familiar with is rusting. Rust is built up as a result of charged oxygen atoms from water reacting with metals, producing corrosive byproducts which are often brown in color. While these reactions are quite a regular occurrence in metal in cars or appliances, they are also responsible for the browning you see in cut apples left exposed to the air.

Rust reactions occur because the oxygen in moisture has a charge. While water is a complete molecule, its unbalanced, or polarized, form means that it tends to react, coming apart easily to leave charged oxygen behind. This oxygen joins with the metal molecules in your body just as easily as it does those in a piece of iron. While your body might not become a rusted hulk like an old ship, it does undergo internal changes.

Sun ligh is also a source of free radicals

Sun ligh is also a source of free radicals

A Good Environment for Radicals

Our bodies are mostly water, so there’s plenty of material to generate free radicals, and many are useful. Some substances, like Vitamin E, are radicals that help us by reacting with strays, locking up harmful compounds before they can do damage. There are just as many, however, that can react with molecules in our DNA or cell walls, leading to cancers or other mutations. The byproducts of water molecule breakdown, for instance, can cause harm in high quantities, and even normal biological compounds in our bodies can act as harmful free radicals in certain situations.

Antioxidants: The Helpful Radicals

When radicals tend to sit around for relatively long periods of time, they’re called persistent radicals, or those that remain unchanged by chemical bonding. These include vitamin E and vitamin C, and because they tend to sit in the body and react with more dangerous short-lived radicals like oxygen, they are known as antioxidants. Antioxidants are indeed radicals, but they perform the vital function of preventing other unhealthy free radicals from interacting with the parts of our bodies that they shouldn’t combine with.

How Are Free Radicals Produced?

To sum things up – free radicals are produced during the various normal metabolic activities carried out by our bodies. There is nothing much we can do here. But free radicals also exist in our environment. These are the free radicals that we can sometimes avoid. How?

Sources Of Free Radicals In Our Environment

These are the main sources of free radicals around us or to put it better the main sources of free radicals that we can control. If we can avoid these sources we can avoid these free radicals affecting our bodies:

  • Pollution, especially polluted air,
  • A huge part of air pollution is automobile exhaust,
  • Smoking and cigarette smoke,
  • Sun light (UV rays)
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Emotional stress
  • Exposure to heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead…
  • Radiation

Since this is a fruit juice website it doesn’t hurt to again point out that natural juices are a great source of free radicals fighting antioxidants.

 

15 Dec

The Amazing Health Benefits of Blackcurrant Juice

Black Currants are among the many berries that are very high in nutrient content and are excellent for your health. Black currants consumed as juice are even more potent and offer powerful health benefits for the conscious consumer. Many people have heard about this amazing juice but are unaware of exactly what the health benefits of blackcurrant juice are. By having a basic understanding of the advantages of consuming black currant juice, it is possible to experience an increase in health and energy levels for optimal wellbeing.

Health benefits of blackcurrant juice

Excellent Source of Vitamin C and Potassium

Black currants pack a powerful nutritional punch and have been used for centuries to cure many human ailments. Black currants are an excellent source of Vitamin C as well as Potassium. The Potassium levels in black currants are shown to be twice as much as the content found in bananas and the Vitamin C levels exceed that of oranges by four times. They are rich in many phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins.  Their antioxidant power is double that of the more well-known blueberries. In addition black currants contain a very rare Omega-6 essential fatty acid called Gamma-Linoleic Acid which is excellent for your health.

Main Health Benefits of Blackcurrant Juice: Kidney Stones, Urinary Tract Infections, Vision Disorders, Heart Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease

The main health benefits that have been associated with the consumption of black currants include the treatment of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, vision disorders, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to its multifaceted healing benefits, there is new research being done on black currant’s curative effects in regards to preventing liver cancer. The primary antioxidant called anthocyanin is found in black currants and this antioxidant has been known to help prevent liver cancer which is also one of the most common cancers in the world.

The black currant fruit can also be juiced for easy consumption which will yield the same nutritional benefits as the fruit itself. The fruit juice contains anthocyanin as well as a substance called cassis polysaccharide which has a combatant effect on toxic cells such as tumors. The black currant can be juiced but should not be heated as high temperatures reduce its nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Blackcurrant Juice In History

Although the health benefits of black currant juice may seem like recent findings, the fruit has been used for its health benefits for quite a number of years. Blackcurrants were used in Europe, Russia and North America for their health increasing properties. The Native Americans used blackcurrants to aid in their treatments of stomach pains, uterine discomforts as well as kidney problems. In addition, for the earlier part of the 19th and 20th centuries, European doctors used this powerful fruit as a remedy for scurvy and other infection such as urinary tract infections, inflammations and intestinal illnesses. German physicians used blackcurrants to help treat bladder stones and liver ailments as well as for use in lung disorders.

Antioxidant Power

The health benefits of black currant juice are many. By far the biggest appeal is the antioxidant power found in these tiny purple berries. The system used to measure the antioxidant strength of individual fruits is called TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity). According to the findings from this system, the antioxidant power found within currant is more than twice that of any other fruits. The antioxidants in black currant juice help to fight free radicals found within the body that could be potentially harmful to your health. They work to stop any potential damage before the free radicals can fully take effect and harm the healthy cells in your body.

Potassium

The potassium content in black currant juice is equivalent to 361mg making black currants an excellent source of potassium. The potassium found in currants offer vital nutrients to your body and can help to combat high blood pressure and stroke. It is also known to help maintain a healthy heart as and digestive system. The daily recommended intake of potassium is 4,700 and black currants are an excellent source.

The health benefits of blackcurrant juice are one of the main reasons for drinking this delicious beverage. The dark, rich purple berries are not only delicious but they have a host of health inducing properties that contribute to your overall wellbeing. Blackcurrant juice is a nutritious drink that is so powerful, it is being researched for its cancer preventative properties. By making blackcurrant juice a regular part of your diet, you too can reap the many benefits found in this potent fruit.

14 Dec

Health Benefits Of Fig Juice: Mother Nature’s Most Complete Nutrition Source

Figs are one of humankind’s most ancient food sources. They are a member of the mulberry family and originated in northern Asia Minor. Because people have been using the fig for so long, it’s possible that our body chemistries have co-adapted and attuned to the amazing variety of nutrients packed into these sweet and luscious fruits. That’s part of the reason that eating figs and drinking fig juice is one of the healthiest and best possible choices for providing our body with what it needs most.

Delivering the vitamin-mineral rich compound of the fig to your body by drinking it as a juice is an exceptional way to gain the nutrition load of this fruit. It’s also high in fiber, making it an excellent digestive regulator. Fig juice has a definite but gentle laxative effect.

Health benefits of fig juice

Calcium and Potassium Content

Fig juice is especially beneficial for women because it has significant calcium and potassium content which helps build bone density, and this reduces the amount of dairy products people need to take in to get the natural calcium. The more dairy one replaces with low-fat fruits juices, such as fig juice, the less fat and cholesterol one takes in while still getting calcium.

Fig Juice As A Mild Sleep Aid

Fig juice is one of the best possible beverages you can drink in the evening, or even right before bed. It contains tryptophan which is one of the 20 basic amino acids, but which is also well known to be a natural sleep inducer. Tryptophan has proven so effective in aiding sleep, the substance has been isolated and concentrated for use in sleeping pills.  But the good thing about getting tryptophan from fig juice is that you don’t get an unnaturally large dose as you do from pills. Rather, you get a gentle boost toward a restful night’s sleep. with no “sleeping pill hangover.”  Combine this with the fact that fig juice has a mild laxative effect, you’ll not only sleep better, but wake up ready to easier more natural bowel movements – you be rested and energized for an active day!

Health Benefits Of Fig Juice Are Also A Result Of An Array Of Amazing Acids

The essential nutritional acid content of fig juice is nothing short of amazing. It contains gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, sryingic acid, catechin, epicatechin and rutin. Gallic acid is well known to have antifungal and antiviral properties and has been shown to have cytoxicity against cancer cells. Chlorogenic acid is a powerful antioxidant and releases glucose into the blood stream, which also naturally balances insulin levels, making this excellent for diabetics. Rutin is an acid that is sometimes called Vitamin P, although it is not technically a vitamin. This has been shown to improve blood circulation, have anti-inflammatory effects and may be able to prevent varicose veins because of its mild blood thinning actions.

Fig Juice Is A Natural Body Builder

Keep in mind that figs and fig juice is very rich in carbohydrates and natural sugars. If you are on a low-carb diet, fig juice may load a few more carbs than you want. On the other hand, a serving of fig juice has 250 kcals of energy. Those who drink fig juice tend to experience an immediate energy boost, and thus are prompted to exercise more and burn off more calories. You’ll get more carbs, but you’ll burn them off faster. The high glucose content of fig juice helps fuel the muscles during a workout routine. That, combined with the three grams of protein you get from a serving of fig juice, makes it perhaps one of the best natural workout, muscle building and body building natural foods. Forget all of those artificially concocted muscle building energy drinks designed for body builders and athletes – fig juice is the real deal straight from Mother Nature!

Figs for fig juice

A Host  Of Other Health Benefits Of Fig Juice

There are a variety of other benefits associated with fig juice. A short list is:

  • soother of bronchial passages,
  • reduces risk of breast cancer,
  • may be a complete cure for hemorrhoids,
  • natural regulator of blood pressure and more.

What Kind Of Fig Juice Should You Buy?

Because figs are natural to Mideast countries such as Turkey, India, Israel, and Arab countries, many people prefer to buy fig juice products imported from these sources. Strive to select only fig juice brands that are certified organic, and not produced with pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilizers. You don’t want to counter the natural healthy ingredients of fig juice by possibly getting traces of harmful chemicals with your product.

Making Your Own Homemade Fig Juice

Remember that you may also want to try your hand at making your own fig juice using a juicer, food processor or a blender. It’s easy to do, and your homemade fig juice will be the freshest of the fresh, contain fiber-rich pulp and a truckload of nutritional energy. Just browse our site and look for some fig juice recipes the will help you get all the health benefits of fig juice.

14 Dec

The Many Health Benefits of Blackberry Juice

Blackberries are not only delicious but they also offer a multitude of health benefits for the health conscious consumer. These small dark berries offer a variety of vitamins and nutrients that can help to boost your energy levels in addition to a host of other nutritional benefits. A great way to enjoy these benefits is by drinking blackberry juice. Health benefits of blackberry juice will set you on your way to improved health and increased vitality.

Blackberries make a thick, dark and savory juice that is almost wine like in flavor. Large quantities of berries are needed to make just a small amount of juice. In fact, it can take almost three and half pounds of berries to make up only a quart of blackberry juice. The juice can be watered down for a slightly less intense flavor. It can also be used in a variety of different ways such as in the making of black berry pies, preserves, smoothies, ice cream, lemonade and even liquors for a distinctive, tart and decadent flavoring. The health benefits of blackberry juice can best be received either through drinking the juice directly or eating the whole fruit.

Blackberry for blackberry juice

Antioxidants

Blackberry juice has a variety of health benefits which can help to increase overall health. One of the main benefits of blackberry juice is its antioxidant properties which aid in fighting free radical cells which occur sporadically throughout the body. By preventing these free radicals from taking over and affecting otherwise healthy cells within the body, the antioxidant properties are able to aid in the prevention of potential cancer causing cells. Blackberry juice has one of the most powerful antioxidant properties among fruits.

Rich In Vitamin A and C,  Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorous and Iron

In addition to its antioxidant benefits, black berry juice has a wealth of vitamins such as vitamins A and C. Blackberry juice is also rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorous and iron. The blackberry fruit has been used for thousands of years for daily ailments as well as several illnesses which can occurr in the body. Some of the ailments for which blackberry juice has been used include whooping cough, stomach illnesses, ulcers, gout, diarrhea, nausea, venom bites and sore throat. Black berries have also been used to help bring down a fever and treat bowel problems. This is an excellent juice to drink during the colder months when colds and flus are common. Its antioxidant properties combined with its health benefits for sore throats and fever make this juice an effective natural remedy.

Anthocyanin and Ellagic Acid

Blackberry juice has an almost endless list of beneficial properties. Its health boosting effects have been used in treating many ailments as well as preventing new ones from occurring. Blackberries are high in a pigment called anthocyanin and ellagic acid which are powerful antioxidants that help to fight toxicity in the body and prevent cancer and other diseases.

Phytoestrogen

Blackberries also have a high amount of plant estrogen which is called phytoestrogen. This compound is known to play an integral role in the prevention of cervical cancer as well as breast cancer.

Health benefits if blackberries and blackberry juice

Blackberry Juice And Premature Aging

Blackberry juice is a powerful health promoting beverage which can even combat the signs of aging through its high antioxidant properties. The antioxidants in blackberries work to eliminate the toxic cells which damage DNA and lead to signs of premature aging. Blackberries also contain high levels of tannin which works to tighten tissue in the body.

Health Benefits of Blackberry Juice – Inflammations and Cholesterol

Blackberries help to combat hemorrhoids, diarrhea and reduce intestinal inflammations. The health benefits of blackberry juice also include the reduction of cholesterol. Salicylate which is found in blackberries is also the same substance added to aspirin which is known to combat heart disease and cholesterol. Blackberries also work to strengthen blood vessels, protect eyesight and combat heart disease.

The health benefits of blackberry juice are numerous and have a far reaching effect on the human body. Consuming this savory juice is one of the best things you can do for your body. Its medicinal properties have been used for thousands of years to treat illnesses and aid in the prevention of cancer causing cells. Blackberries are among the top ten fruits with strong antioxidant powers that have been well proven to aid the human body in a myriad of ways.