The health of our body is dependent on the health of our cells. So to slow down aging, limit sickness and prevent disease, we must protect and properly feed our cells. Remember, disease is simply the deterioration of the cell.
Cells are made up of many atoms. When these atoms are healthy, the cells replicate and keep the body young, well and free of disease. What makes an atom healthy is "paired" electrons. Atoms missing an electron are not just "bad" - they actually destroy surrounding atoms by stealing their electrons.
An atom missing an electron is called a free radical. Free radicals alter or destroy cells. Cells that die and cells that replicate in a damaged state are the cause or contribute to premature aging, sickness and diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and many others.
Free radicals come from:
- Smoking
- Stress
- Sunlight
- Pesticides
- Pollution
- Airline Travel
- Medications
- Foods
- Food additives
- X-rays
- Exercise
- Chlorine in drinking water
- Mercury in seafood and teeth fillings
- And many other sources
So where do antioxidants come from?
Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables. They are also found in other types of foods, such as nuts, oils and beans. Research suggests that antioxidants organic foods have higher concentrations of antioxidants than processed foods grown with pesticides.
Antioxidants are also found in high quality vitamin supplements. The American Medical Association recommends nutritional supplements, since most adults do not eat the right foods to properly feed their cells.
However, not all supplements are beneficial, and some may even do harm. They must be absorbed by your body. When they remain undissolved in the body, they do you no good.
There is an old argument that you can get everything you need for good health from food. Are you? In a large study of 26,000 people, it was concluded that not one person received the nutritional requirements set forth by the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance).
"Insufficient vitamin intake is apparently a cause of chronic disaease. Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone. Pending strong evidence of effectiveness from randomized trials, it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements." - American Medical Association, June 19, 2002
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates over ninety percent of all illnesses have lifestyle causes. Seven out of ten people will die of heart disease, cancer, or stroke. So do you still think we are getting proper levels of nutrition?
Related Articles:
3 Percent of Americans Live a Healthy Lifestyle
How Safe Are Your Vitamins?
Why Supplement?
Why Do Vitamins and Minerals Do For You?
The Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies
© 2008 Thanks for reading PaulsHealthBlog.com.
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Since increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in my diet and my families we seem to be getting far less illnesses which is fantastic.