We hear a lot today about antioxidants, 0free radicals0 and what we can do about them. There is much confusion, so it may help to break down the key facts about these important, potentially life-saving and life-extending substances.
1. Oxygen is good and bad. In the human system, this basic element is both a help and a hindrance. Without it, no life. And yet, oxygen can work to break down other substances in the body as it is metabolized, creating what are called 0free radicals0 that displace electrons from other molecular structures. This is extremely damaging.
2. Oxidation is the name for this damage. An antioxidant, therefore, is anything that works to stop or retard this damaging breakdown by adding back an electron to the free radical and rendering it harmless.
3. We have natural antioxidants. Our bodies can fight this battle naturally, to an extent. Common nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium have been found to have antioxidant properties.
4. There are serious repercussions. The body actually does need some free radicals to function effectively, but an excessive amount is correlated with such diseases as heart and liver disease, as well as cancer.
5. Environmental factors affect you. Oxidation is […]
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For literally thousands of years, humans have extolled the nutritional and health benefits of tea. The tea plant Camellia Sinensis is the source of all teas in the world. These include green, oolong, white, and black tea as well as the Chinese Tea known as Pu-erh Tea, which is prepared by fermentation of tea leaves. Both formal scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that tea really can work wonders for the body. Here0s how:
Tea May Boost the Metabolism
Whether you are looking to burn off a few extra calories or simply get a little more energy during your day, drinking tea may be a good solution. Of course, it0s important not to add sugar to your tea, or you will undo the positive metabolic effects. Instead, add a sugar free substitute, like Splenda, Equal, or Sweet N’ Low for taste.
Tea May Be an Effective Cancer-Fighting Agent
Nutritionists hypothesize that the antioxidants contained in tea may have powerful cancer fighting effects. Some scientific studies suggest that drinking several cups of green, white, or oolong tea a day may indeed reduce the likelihood that you’ll develop cancer.
Tea Improves Focus and Brainpower
Tea leaves contain an important protein building block called L-Theanine, which stimulates cerebral […]
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