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Aspartame;
Cyclamate;
Diabetes and Stevia;
Hypoglycemia and Stevia;
Insulin Is Tricked;
Saccharin;
Sucralose aka Splenda;
Sugar and ADHD;
Sugar and Digestion;
Type 1 Diabetes;
Type 2 Diabetes
ANTIOXIDANTSAntioxidants are our own personal "ambassadors" dedicated to preserving our health and well being.
Every cell in our body is constantly using oxygen. Our body cannot live without it. As our cells use oxygen there are by-products produced from this use. They are called free radicals. But free radicals are not limited to oxygen use. Any molecule, any atom in our body can become a free radical.
What are Free Radicals?Free radicals are unstable molecules. An unstable molecule contains an atom with an odd, unpaired electron. Unstable molecules want to become stable, so they go about stealing the needed electrons from other molecules. BUT, this just makes these other molecules become unstable. Thus begins a harmful cycle that, if left unchecked, can cause damage to different parts of our body.Our dedicated little ambassadors, Antioxidants seek out the free radicals and neutralize them. They donate one of their own electrons to the unstable molecule, thus, making it stable again. The beauty of this relationship is that antioxidants cannot become free radicals because they are stable with either an odd or even number of electrons.
An exciting, well written site that offers more healthy choices for your antioxidant protection, in more detail is:
Free Radicals Damage Cells and Mutate DNA.If our body has more free radicals than it has "little ambassadors" to neutralize them, health problems set in. Free radicals begin creating damage in the membranes of our cells. If enough damage is done, it will manifest itself in:
The Joint - arthritis can be the ultimate result. The Lungs - emphysema and bronchitis can set in. The Blood Vessels - heart disease and atherosclerosis. The Stomach - peptic ulcers. The Skin - aging and wrinkling can rapidly accelerate. The DNA - mutation contributing to, if not causing, cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems are all contributed to, if not caused by, free radicals.
Our body manufactures three different types of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In an ideal environment this would likely be more than enough to control the free radicals produced from our cell's normal use of oxygen. However, most of us do not live in an ideal environment.
More Causes of Free Radicals.Environmental Polution Over Exposure to Sunlight Food Preservatives Pesticides Chemotherapy & Radiation Smoking Excessive Alcohol Consumption Excessive Meat in Diet High Cholesterol Polyunsaturated Fats (such as in beef,lamb,chicken,pork)
Rich Sources to help our "Little Ambassadors"We can find more "little ambassadors" in a wide variety of foods and spices. I have entered a list below; BUT, MY LIST IS, BY NO MEANS, ALL INCLUSIVE.
To learn more about healthy superfood choices and the power of antioxidants, please visit ...
Vitamin A & Carotenoids - found in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots, and most "bright-colored" fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C - found in citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, etc., green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, and tomatoes. Vitamin E - found in nuts (pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts,etc), seeds, grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil, liver oil, sesame oil, and ghee(clarified butter). Selenium - found in fish and shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic. Flavonoids & Polyphenols - found in blueberries, red wine, purple grapes, concord grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, soy, cocoa for baking, and tea(especially green tea). Lycopene - found in tomato and tomato products, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Lutein - found in dark green vegetables such as kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kiwi, and spinach. Lignan - found in flax seed, oatmeal, barley, rye. Herbs, etc. - turmeric, red pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, oregano, and garlic.
... know the anti-aging power of fruit ...The Power of Fruits
ORAC RatingsThe Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity of various foods have been rated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They have put the following list together. The higher the number, the more antioxidants.
1/2 cup small, dried red beans has an ORAC value of: 13,727; 1/2 cup dried red kidney beans has 13,259; 1 cup wild blueberries has 13,427; 1/2 cup dried pinto beans has 11,864; 1 cup cultivated blueberries has 9,019; 1 cup crimson cranberries has 8,983; 1 cup cooked artichoke hearts has 7,904; 1 cup blackberries has 7,701; 1/2 cup prunes has 7,291; 1 cup raspberries has 6,058; 1 cup strawberries has 5,938; 1 red delicious apple has 5,900; 1 granny smith apple has 5,381; 25 grams pecans has 5,095; 1/2 cup sweet cherries has 4,873; 1/2 cup black plums has 4,844; 1 cooked russet potato has 4,649; 1/2 cup black beans has 4,181;
1 gala apple has 3,903;
... we can help our "little antioxidant ambassadors" by adding more of these foods to our diet, ... choose your favorites and have fun creating delicious recipes ... !Site Map
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