Antioxidant Pack Supplement

For an antioxidant boost, some people may consider adding antioxidant pack supplements to their daily diets. While the effectiveness of such pills is still being studied, there is no denying that a diet rich in antioxidants is a beneficial one. The best approach then may be to simply eat a healthier diet such as one full of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

Always available: Natural antioxidants.

What are Antioxidants?

In recent years, antioxidants have gained a good deal of attention due to their ability to impede free radicals in the body and slow the oxidative process. The best-studied antioxidants thus far have been vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.

Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body in search of an electron. When they find one, they take control of it, thus turning the previously stable molecule into a free radical as well -- again in search of an electron.

This chain reaction can damage cell walls and cell structure and may contribute to aging in tissues and organs. While the body naturally produces free radicals during metabolism, other contributors include alcohol, smoking, and environmental pollution. Antioxidants are believed to neutralize such oxygen-free radicals.

Natural Antioxidants

If you wish to add antioxidants to your diet and better defend yourself from free radicals, the tried-and-true way is to eat fruits and vegetables. Generally, the darker the fruit or vegetable, the more antioxidant nutrients it contains.

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommends 7-13 total servings of fruits and vegetables each and every day. You should try and vary your foods to maximize the types of antioxidants your body gets. Fortunately there are many to choose from. Blueberries are one of the richest sources.

Fruits:

• Blueberries
• Red grapes
• Guava
• Passion fruit
• Acai berry
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Red delicious applies
• Black plums
• Green pears
• Pomegranates

Vegetables/Legumes:

• Capers
• Red kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Red cabbage
• Russet potatoes
• Carrots
• Pistachios
• Licorice root

Other:

• Green tea
• Red wine
• Pistachios
• Walnuts
• Pecans

Taking Antioxidant Pack Supplements

Another way of getting antioxidants is to take an antioxidant pack supplement, which is said to contain a daily dose of antioxidants in just a few capsules. The logic behind such pills is:

1. You may not have time to get your full 7-13 servings of fruits and vegetables.
2. You may be missing one (or more) important antioxidant. For instance, if you concentrate on vitamin C, you may be deficient in vitamin E or beta-carotene.
3. You may want as many antioxidants as possible in your body, believing them to combat aging and ailments.

Studies Pending Results

Researchers are still studying the impact of antioxidants, as well as dietary supplements. While the scientific community agrees that antioxidants are good for one's health, the effectiveness of supplements is still up for debate.

• American Heart Association: In 2004, AHA released an advisory stating that while a diet rich in antioxidants was good for the heart, it did not recommend the use of antioxidant vitamin supplements as a way to treat or prevent heart diseases. At the time, its studies showed that 30 percent of Americans were taking an antioxidant supplement of some kind.
• Scientific American: An overview of more recent studies concerning antioxidants and conditions, such as heart disease (2008). In regards to supplements, the question asked is: "Does the scientific research back the marketing claims?"
• U.S. News & World Report: An article about the impact antioxidant supplements may have on cancer treatment.
• MayoClinic: An argument against supplements and for a healthier diet, replete with fruits and vegetables. The underlying point is that the natural nutrients found in such foods are difficult to replicate in a single "silver bullet".

Do Your Own Research

You'll find many products these days that claim to offer the full benefits of antioxidants. With just one pill or drink, a person is set for the day. However, be a discerning consumer. The term "antioxidant" has become a buzz word for anti-aging and various "healing" products. Do the necessary research before you buy anything. Better yet, talk with your physician for an expert opinion.

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