Antioxidants

To understand the importance of antioxidants, it is first necessary to understand oxidation. The oxidation process causes metal to rust, fruit to turn brown and oils to go rancid. Inside the body, oxidations severely damage the cells and allow diseases to get a foothold. Free Radicals which are destructive oxygen byproducts, , are produced both in our bodies and in the environment due to factors like cigarette smoke and polluted air. Antioxidants seem to deactivate free radicals, and therefore protect cells from damage and so the body from diseases.

Antioxidant vitamins (including beta carotene which is the building block for vitamin A), and vitamins C and E may also help prevent some of the adverse effects of smoking, and they may help prevent the buildup of low density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, in artery walls. In addition, antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamins C and E, appear to play an important role in protecting the body against cancer. They seem to block the formation of chemical carcinogens in the stomach, protect DNA and fats in the blood from damage, and enhance the function of the immune system. So experts recommend eating a balanced diet that includes at least five to six servings of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants each and every day. Antioxidant nutrients can be obtained by taking supplements too. So we can take the balanced diet consists of antioxidants everyday in a week:

Monday:
Lemon Blackberry Parfait, Shrimp Artichoke Salad and more yummy menu choices.

Tuesday:
Artichoke, Goat Cheese & Potato Omelets, Glazed Plums and other power packed snacks.

Wednesday:
Black Bean Burgers and Plum and Pecan Salad are just a few of the delicious items on today's menu.

Thursday:
Verry Berry Smoothies and a scrumptous Three-Apple Salad top off Thursday's list.

Friday:
Thank Goodness it's Friday, with Pecan Crusted Snapper and a Red Berry Wine Sauce.