If, or more likely when, free radicals find their way into our bodies, they impose themselves on other molecules. We are fortunate that antioxidants are obtainable to impede this unwelcome process, but the human body can't produce its own antioxidants, and relies on plants to help out. In such a situation, it is easy to see why it is imperative to carefully plan our diet, and make sure that we include plenty of antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables in our food.

Antioxidants have been proven to slow down oxidation in the body induced by free radicals, or to put it more succinctly, antioxidants defend you from free radical damage. It is unquestionable that antioxidants guard you from many of the most serious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and many others. Some people actually suggest that an ample amount of antioxidants in their diets can slowdown the process of getting old! You could fairly ask just where the dreadful free radicals come from, but the truth is that they might not be as bad as you think. Free radicals can also help the body to resist germs, so it is an excess of free radicals that causes health problems, and not the whole amount.

Unfortunately, our intake of free radicals is not just from food, but also from environmental contaminants, including industrial fumes, tobacco smoke, and the like. It is not possible to avoid them altogether, although a sure way to guard yourself, is by an applied knowledge of antioxidants. There are healthy fruits and vegetables, in abundance, to serve your cause, but you have to ensure that you are getting sufficient, by erring towards the higher recommended intake, of 9 portions every day.

We are fortunate that antioxidants are easily available to restore the balance, and clean up any excess of free radicals. It 's as easy as ABC. Just think of Apples, Berries, and Cabbage, because plenty of antioxidants are contained within the 5 - 9 fruit and vegetables, that you are continually being instructed to take in your diet. Think of 5 fruits and vegetables as a minimum, because apart from anything else, you will get better antioxidant defense against free radicals from 6 - 9 portions than the bare minimum! Just as most fruits and vegetables contain advantageous antioxidants, there are other foods that are detrimental.

You will have learned from this brief introduction, that antioxidants will help you to stay healthy, by counteracting free radicals. What you require is the determination to make certain there are plenty of antioxidants in your diet. If you do not give appropriate attention to your eating habits, you must accept the risks. However, you know, that if free radicals are controlled, the probability of becoming seriously ill is significantly reduced.