You are most likely aware of the benefits of antioxidant foods, and it is possible that you have discussed them with your doctor, who may have recommended their use. Another possibility is that you could have determined from a member of your family, or an acquaintance, just how far reaching the benefits are expected to be.



Of course it is invariably better to get fresh food, but if you take into account that you ought to be seeking antioxidant foods as well, you won't go far wrong, as you should then have made a good start towards minimizing free radical issues. Antioxidant foods are obtainable naturally by way of fruit and vegetables, that nature might seem to have especially provided to keep us well and limit free radical damage.

What You Should Know About Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable oxygen atoms. As you will be aware, from your high school days, an atom has a nucleus comprised of protons and neutrons, around which electrons circulate. Everything is alright if the electrons are in pairs, but problems occur when an electron is not paired, as happens with unstable oxygen atoms. They steal electrons from stable body cells and set up a chain reaction that is known as oxidation. If left unchecked dangerous chronic illnesses including heart conditions, and some cancers may occur. We can take some comfort from knowing that we have an army of antioxidants standing by to protect us from these awful illnesses.

Selecting the Best Antioxidant Foods

Don't think that you should try to get rid of all free radicals, as it is a surplus that is the potential health problem, and if they are curbed before they run amok they may even help you to stay healthy. However, for your health's sake, you must make certain they are controlled, and never permitted to be in charge. You should now be fully aware why antioxidant foods are able to be of incalculable assistance.

Fortunately the majority of fruit and vegetables can supply antioxidants but some are better than others. Therefore, if you include plenty of these with your meals, you will be going the right way to keep free radicals in their place. Though you probably would not think of fruit and vegetables as being natural medicine, that is exactly what they are, but they have an additional advantage of being very tasty as well.

One of the top antioxidant foods available are wild American blueberries. Therefore, if you know of anywhere you can buy some, or even better, where to pick your own, don't hesitate in staking your claim! You should not be too concerned if blueberries are unavailable as the majority of other fruit and vegetables have substantial antioxidant content. By this time you will know that between 5 - 9 helpings of fruit and vegetables per day is what you should aim to include in your diet. Why not make it your policy to err towards seven, eight, or nine portions, and you will then be well on your way to a natural health, free radical controlling life. Make it your business to look into which fruits and vegetables are the best for antioxidants, and you may even discover that they are some of the foods you already prefer.

Disclaimer

The content of the article is only for general information and is not intended to serve as a medical source of information. Please use your own judgement with regard to whether antioxidant foods and preparations are appropriate for you. Those who are uncertain about taking a particular food or preparation, be they antioxidant or otherwise, should seek the advice of their doctor, or other qualified professional person.

The author does not accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article.