Defenders
to the Rescue and Food Sources of Antioxidants
Defenders to the Rescue
Antioxidants are substances that remain stable, even after giving up an electron
to a free radical. They have the ability to terminate the chain reactions initiated
by free radicals. 19 The body has the amazing ability to produce a number of such substances
that protects it from oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide
dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase all stop free radical destruction. 20 The liver’s
detoxification system creates free radicals and also provides antioxidants to stabilize
them.
Natural antioxidants that may come as a surprise are cholesterol and uric acid. Granted,
these substances are normally viewed as detrimental to health, yet in proper amounts
they have a positive function. Cholesterol protects cell membranes against free radical
damage until it is overpowered by free radicals and becomes rancid. Uric acid, an
end product of exercise, works to reduce oxidative damage caused by the increased
intake of oxygen needed during workouts. Dr. Joseph states that antioxidants found
in plants are “useful for muscle recovery.” 21 Like free radicals, cholesterol
and uric acid, normally deemed as harmful, are actually beneficial to the body in
correct amounts. It is when oxidative stress creates changes that these substances
become harmful.
Another unusual antioxidant is the hormone melatonin. Produced by the pineal gland,
melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant. Melatonin is sold in health food stores
as a dietary supplement for the treatment of jet lag and insomnia. It has been shown,
however, to be particularly good against free radical damage created by radiation
treatments used to destroy cancer cells. 22
In one European study, high doses of melatonin (20 mg per day) were given to people
undergoing radiation therapy. As noted earlier, radiation is a major source of free
radical formation. When taking the supplement, common side effects lessened, and the
patients were able to rest better at night. At the end of one year, six of the fourteen
patients given melatonin with their radiation treatments were still living, compared
to just one of the sixteen undergoing radiation therapy alone. These studies also
showed that there were fewer negative side effects from radiation therapy in patients
taking melatonin. 23 This was at least partially due to melatonin’s antioxidant
capacity.
Food Sources of Antioxidants
Just as certain foods can produce free radicals, fruits and vegetables are also
a major source of antioxidants. Lorelei DiSogra, R.D., director of the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) says, “When you see colors on your plate, you know you’re
doing good things for yourself. You’re getting the beneficial compounds from
fruits and vegetables that you need to help prevent heart attack, cancer, stroke,
and diabetes.” 24 The darker the pigments, the healthier the food. Deep, rich colors
in food are a good indication that it is filled with protective antioxidants. 25 In most
cases, scientist agree that while there are individual vitamins such as vitamins A,
C, and E and minerals such as selenium and zinc that act as free radical scavengers,
the most effective antioxidants are obtained from foods.
The Modern Dilemma
Foods are the best sources of antioxidants, yet new studies show that produce grown
today contains lower amounts of nutrients than foods grown fifty years ago. According
to Donald R. Davis, Ph.D., a biochemist at the University of Texas at Austin, the
most likely reason for the decrease in nutrients is due to farmers’ efforts
to increase production. It seems that heavily irrigated and fertilized plants grow
faster and bigger, yet the plants’ ability to create nutrients does not increase
with plant size. 26
Even though not as nutritious today, plant foods are still deemed the best source
of antioxidants. Organic foods are higher in nutrition and antioxidant quotas. Studies
show that a variety of antioxidants found in food have a profound effect on slowing
the progression or preventing disease. One specific example is reported in the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which states that people who increase specific dietary
antioxidants, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin, both components of the legendary
wolfberry, lowered their risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. 27
Dr. James Joseph says, “Plants synthesize a vast array of chemical compounds
that aren’t involved in their primary metabolism. These are mainly related to
the plant’s survivability against such things as sunlight, disease, soil problems,
and extreme temperatures. And since we have some of the same problems that plants
have, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects these chemicals bring are important
for us too.” 28
This text excerpted from "The Science of Free Radicals and Antioxidants",
Young Living Magazine, Jan-Mar 2006. Reprinted with permission of Young Living Essential
Oils, LC, Lehi, UT 84043 U.S.A. No other reprinting without the express written permission
of Young Living Essential Oils, LC is allowed. Young Living is not responsible for
the content posted on this Web site.
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Science of Antioxidants
Antioxidants:
A History of Free Radicals
Antioxidants:
The Chemistry Perspective
Free Radicals & Inflamation:
Major Disease Components
Defenders to the Rescue:
Food Sources of Antioxidants
Antioxidant Quality:
ORAC and S-ORAC
CHART: Antioxidants
and ORAC Rating
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