The prefix ‘anti’ means against, in opposition to, or corrective in nature. In this case, the ‘anti’ in antioxidant describes the effect these chemicals have against oxidants.

Oxidants, usually referred to as ‘free radicals’ are produced as a natural by-product of the millions of biochemical processes undertaken by the body every minute. The same life-giving oxygen that supports all the functions of the body creates these harmful by-products which cause cell damage, usually to DNA, fats and proteins.

Free radicals also enter the body through external influences such as exposure to the sun, pesticides and other kinds of environmental pollution. In addition, their levels are increased by mental and physical stress, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke.

In much the same way as oxidation causes rust on cars, oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. If the amount of free radical oxidation in the body is allowed to rise to an unhealthy level, it can result in extensive damage to cellular components and can accelerate the aging process.

More importantly, it may contribute to a wide range of degenerative illnesses and reduce the body’s ability to deal with other problems, including cardiovascular malfunction, eye disease, and cancer.

Additionally, it may result in a compromised immune system, leading to immunological disorders and a lessening of the body’s ability to heal wounds and overcome infections. Some studies indicate possible links to arthritis and similar chronic conditions.

Antioxidants counter these effects by binding with free radicals before they can cause damage. They then convert them into non-damaging biochemical substances, assisting enormously with the reparation of cellular damage.

Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. The most well known of these are catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione:

Catalase coverts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Superoxide dismutase breaks antioxidants down into hydrogen peroxide.

Glutathione is a detoxifying agent, changing the form of toxins so that they are easily eliminated by the body.

Other antioxidants can be consumed through the diet. Some of the better known include the antioxidant vitamins beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Minerals such as selenium, zinc, glutathione and co-enzyme Q10 may also have antioxidant properties, and so may flavonoids such as cranberry, some amino acids, plus organic extracts from milk thistle and the tree known as ginkgo biloba.

A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables provides a large supply of these anti-oxidants, to help eliminate damaging free radicals. The highest concentrations are found in fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as carrots, orange and red peppers, spinach and tomatoes.

Cooking can destroy some antioxidants and interfere with the body’s ability to absorb them, so eating raw vegetables and fruit, and including sprouts in the diet can help. Steaming vegetables as opposed to frying, microwaving or boiling is also a good idea.

Antioxidants are best taken in combination, since single antioxidants, such as vitamin E, need other vitamins in order to work as an effective antioxidant. Food and natural supplements may therefore provide the most bio-available source of antioxidants. Natural products from the rain forests of the world are some of the best sources of natural antioxidants ever found. Fruits like the acai berry are amazing the health world because of the wide range and high number of antioxidants they contain, making them a perfect source of antioxidants. It’s no wonder that the acai berry has been dubbed one of the top 10 “super foods” in the world.

Protein-Rich Food

So, avoid weight-loss belts that are fashionable and that will probably help you lose a few pounds, but after a few weeks, you will regain pounds lost. It proved that if the daily menu does not contain at least 100 g of protein, this will not prevent to lose weight, but you will lose as much fat and muscle. But your body will not allow to decrease muscle mass which must be strong. After you lose weight and eat normal, the body will try to rebuild muscle. Thus, you will gain weight.

But where you find protein that helps you lose weight and keep your body beautiful?

1. An impressive amount is in meat: veal, poor cow, chicken, goat, elk, rabbits and field, skimmed lamb, fish, crustaceans, molluscs and cheese;

2. In smaller amounts are found in eggs, in yogurt and milk ( 2% fat ). Rice and bread also contain protein, but as we know, should not be consumed in excess;

3. Vegetables are rich in protein, but must not be neglected (spinach, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, tomatoes), so already know, eat them with caution.

Health and protein

Besides helping us to lose weight at the same time keeping us healthy, protein other units are:

1. Prevent bloating. People who eat more sugar and relatively few proteins tend to retain water, those who have a balanced diet, often complain of this problem;

2. Allow your body to withstand, without felling the weight-loss diet;

3. The advantage is that they do not turn into sugar;

4. Accelerates wound healing because, as mentioned, have power of restoration;

5. Produce antibodies that help to fight infections.

So to lose weight, without our health be affected in any way, do not neglect protein!

Healthy Diet

The key to a better state of health lies in finding the difference between healthy and unhealthy nutrients. Making a few small changes in food choice, you will be able to bring a huge improvement in health status, energy level and you will prolong your life.

Healthy proteins provide the amino acids our body needs it to build and rebuild muscle, skin, hair and nails. The best sources are: salmon, beans, vegetables, soy products, seeds (sunflower and pumpkin), nuts, almonds, walnuts and peanut butter.

Protein are full of unhealthy saturated fat, cholesterol, hormones or antibiotics – such as beef, lamb, ham, salami. While the body provides amino acids, these foods thicken arteries and compromise the proper functioning of the immune system.

Healthy fats are unsaturated fats (mono and poly) and omega 3 and omega 6. The best sources of these fats are: extra virgin olive oil, nuts and flax seeds. These antioxidants help the body to absorb micronutrients such as vitamins A, E, D and K and lycopene.

Unhealthy fats are saturated fats such as butter and margarine. These fats contribute to heart disease occurrence, increased levels of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension and obesity.

Healthy carbohydrates are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Good sources include oatmeal, brown rice, whole grains, broccoli, zucchini, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, beans and fruits. They help lower cholesterol, help digestion, regulates blood sugar levels and insulin levels and reduces calories.

Unhealthy carbohydrates are rich in sugar and are called simple carbohydrates such as sweets, white bread, carbonated water, ice cream, cake and cookies. It increases blood sugar levels and insulin and helps the absorption of calories.

Consumption of foods rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber help the body function optimally, producing a good mood and improves digestion. These nutrients help fight various diseases of the heart, cancer and diabetes.

Here are simple tips for a healthy diet:

1. Eat brown rice rather than white rice. Naturally, brown rice has more fiber and riboflavin (vitamin B2) and less sugar than white rice. It is digested slower and is more filling.

2. Drink as much tea: black, green and herbal, mineral water. These teas contain antioxidants and substances that enhance your health.

3. Choose soy milk instead of cow milk. Soya milk contains no cholesterol or hormones and has a very low content of saturated fat. It also contains health beneficial substances and aids absorption of calcium, vitamin D and B6, and even some antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E.