Benefits of antioxidants and food supplements

1.

       Rebuild healthy cells and tissues.

2.       Better heart, bones.

3.       Improve immunity

4.       Provides higher energy

5.       Fights stress and pollution

6.       Delays onset of lifestyle diseases

7.       Provides high energy

8.       Provides stronger body tissues

9.       Delays cardiovascular disease

10.   Balanced nutritional drink for children with essential protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

11.   Improves blood circulation

12.   Increases mental and physical power.

13.   Improves fatigue recovery.

14.   Healthy joint function and mobility.

15.   Manage osteo-arthritis challenges.

16.   Joint problem and pain management.

17.   Improves the body defense system.

18.   Reduces impact of weather changes.

19.   Helps fight cold, cough, sneezing.

 

How much do I need?

Since 1941, the Food and Nutrition Board of USA has determined the types and quantities of nutrients that are needed for healthy diets by reviewing scientific literature, considering how nutrients protect against disease, and interpreting data on consumption of nutrients. For each type of nutrient, the Board has established a recommended dietary allowance (RDA)- a daily intake goal for nearly all (98 percent) healthy individuals, and a “tolerable upper intake level” (UL)- the maximum amount of a nutrient that healthy individuals can take each day without risking adverse health effects. In some cases, the Board has decided there isn’t enough evidence to determine the amount at which a particular nutrient is essential or harmful to health.

Over the last several years, the board has been updating and expanding the system for determining the RDA and UL values, which are now collectively referred to as the Dietary Reference Intakes, or DRIs. The following recommendations were made for consumption of antioxidants in the 2000 report, “Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids”.

ASSEMBLING AN ALL-STAR ANTIOXIDANT TEAM

Even if you take a daily multivitamin, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and pop extra vitamin C, you may not be getting enough antioxidants. Experts have increasingly come to recognize the value of taking a synergistic blend of these cancer-fighting, health-promoting nutrients. Here’s a rundown of major antioxidants that you should consider for your daily cocktail.

Best All-Around Bets

For a good, all-around antioxidant boost, everyone can benefit from daily vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E comes in two forms: tocopherols (the most common form of the vitamin) and tocotrienols. If you take a vitamin E supplement, it’s likely you’re getting tocopherols. Less is known about tocotrienols; research is ongoing.

What It Does?

Tocopherols may protect against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and certain cancers; they may also enhance immunity. Tocotrienols may fight heart disease and breast cancer; they may also protect skin against UV rays.

Where is it Found?

Tocopherols: Nuts and vegetable oils have a small amount. Tocotrienols: Rice bran. Supplements are needed to supply a therapeutic dose of these compounds.

Suggested Dose Tocopherols:

400 to 800 IU of Natural vitamin E a day, preferably as mixed tocopherols.

Selenium

What It Does?

Protects against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Assists other antioxidants.

Where is it found?

Brazil nuts, grains, vegetables (selenium content varies depending on the soil produce is grown in).

Suggested Dose 100 to 200 mcg a day; avoid higher daily doses, which may to toxic. Take with or without food.

ANTIOXIDANTS TO START IN YOUR FORTIES

If you’re concerned about taking too many pills, you can probably hold off on coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid until your forties or fifties. In older age, the body’s production of these substances starts to decline.

Coenzyme Q10

What it does?      

May fight cancer and heart disease; strengthens gums; protects nerves; helps generate energy.

Where is it Found?

Present in all cells of the body, especially in the heart. Also found in nuts and oils, but supplements are required to get a therapeutic dose.

Suggested Dose: 30 mg a day with food. CoQ10 is particularly important for anyone who has heart disease.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

What it does?

May protect against heart disease, cataracts, stroke, cancer and diabetes-related nerve damage. May boost glutathione levels.

Where is it found?

Found in tiny amounts in some foods (e.g. spinach, beef*, potatoes).

Suggested Dose: 100 mg a day with food. For people with diabetes, 200 mg three times a day.

ANTIOXIDANTS THAT MAY ALSO BE BENEFICIAL

Additional antioxidants that may be worth including in your antioxidant mix depending on individual health concerns are carotenoids, ginkgo biloba, and proanthocyanidins. Glutathione, an amino acid like antioxidant, is very important for immunity and proper liver function, but don’t worry about getting gluthathione in supplement form; it’s not well absorbed by the body. Taking other antioxidants boosts your body’s natural production of glutathione.

Hope you liked this blog!

This article is written By Dr. Bimal Chhajer (Heart Doctor Delhi)