Get your Antioxidant: East a Salad

The goal of this series of articles and the goal of the Health Restoration 101 programs are to help you maximize your chances of living a longer, healthier life. Our programs are simple, comprehensive, well documented and easy to follow. "It's not magic, but it can change your life."

Carolyn Guilford by Carolyn Guilford, CNC

You've probably heard a lot about antioxidants in recent years. Antioxidants are a vital part of staying young and healthy. Why?

FREE RADICALS

First of all, we need to know what an antioxidant is. During normal body processes, molecules called free radicals are produced in the body. These are basically unstable atoms or molecules that desperately want to become stable. They become stable by stealing electrons from healthy cells, making them unstable and less healthy. Antioxidants reverse this action, helping to keep the cells of our body healthy and functioning properly.

ANTI-AGING

One of the most talked about effects of antioxidants is their anti- aging properties. As we age, we constantly copy our cells to replace them when they die. Errors in copying occur and build up to shape the aging process. Free radicals have been shown to promote wrinkles, memory problems, weakness of the immune system, and reduced elasticity of tissue; all of which are associated with the aging process. We can't completely stop aging, but proper amounts of antioxidants can slow the process considerably.

CANCER

Damage caused by these free radicals is also considered to be a cause of certain cancers. Getting more antioxidants can reduce our risk for certain types of cancer, including cancer of the: stomach, prostate, colon, breast, bladder esophagus, pancreas, and possibly many more. Besides cancer, antioxidants have been shown to help prevent other serious problems, such as: cardiovascular diseases, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and vision problems. It is likely that antioxidants can help prevent other diseases and disorders, but their full effects simply are not known yet.

BAD CHOLESTEROL

Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. When this type of cholesterol oxidizes, it can attach to the walls of blood vessels causing heart disease. This increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. Oxidized cholesterol also contributes to the hardening of blood vessel walls, also increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Antioxidants can help keep your heart and the rest of your circulatory system healthy.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Another great benefit of antioxidants is that they help boost the immune system. If you get sufficient levels of antioxidants, you're not only less likely to get sick; it's also easier for you to fight off diseases you may get. Along these lines, antioxidants can also help you heal faster when you have an injury; large or small.

So what are you waiting for? Today is the best day to start eating more fruits and veggies to get your antioxidants. Make it easy and simple with: Remember, Health is Wealth. Remember, Health is a Choice. If you have any comments or questions about health issues we've covered in this column, or an issue you'd like addressed, please call or write to:

Carolyn Guilford www.HealthRestoration101.com

P.O. Box 2814, Savannah,

GA 31402 912) 236-8987