This article was written for Mark Trotter by Louanne Cox on behalf of YoNaturals franchises in San Diego, California.
It’s practically impossible to keep up with the latest news regarding our health and which steps to take and which steps to avoid, as yesterdays steps to take inevitably turn into today’s steps to avoid. Some nutritional and health concepts become flat out trendy, at least until the next study results are released or the next fad diet comes out. Those of you who haven’t had a carb in months know what I’m talking about. “Antioxidant” has certainly become a buzzword, as has “homocysteine”. But do you really know how to decipher what each means when say, they’re overused or abused for marketing purposes? Here’s a brief breakdown so you don’t fall prey to wallet-damaging scare tactics.
Antioxidants are nutrients that protect the body from oxidative damage, which is a leading factor in diseases associated with aging. Free radicals are the result of oxidative damage and they lead to various disease and deterioration. Antioxidants disarm free radicals, thus minimizing their damage while boosting the immune system. Taking antioxidant supplements can prolong your life; however it’s best to take them together rather than supplementing one at a time. For example, beta-carotene on its own can increase cancer risk in smokers but with other antioxidants actually has an anti-cancer effect.
Homocysteine is a protein produced by the amino acid methionine and found in the body. Our body converts it into either glutathione or SAMe, both of which are beneficial to the body. However, if we don’t get enough B vitamins to facilitate the conversion, the level of homocysteine gets too high and can lead to numerous debilitating diseases including cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s and can cause damage to your brain and DNA.
Antioxidants increase the intracellular glutathione unless the homocysteine is not able to be converted.
Incorporate antioxidants while encouraging low homocysteine levels by eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, minimizing meat and taking an antioxidant and B-complex supplement.
Doesn’t this sound like the advice your mother gave you? Half of nutritional deficiencies could likely be solved by following these simple instructions: eat your fruits and veggies! YoNaturals wishes you a lifetime of healthy eating.