Monday April 28 / 2008

Monday April 28th / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.

12:15-12:45: Summer is coming, although you wouldn’t know it today. Time to jack up the old routine at the gym but remember – it’s a lifestyle change, not a matter of working out like crazy for a week or two.
Guest (in-studio taking calls): Ernie Schramayr over at All Canadian Fitness.

12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals!

What are Antioxidants & Free Radicals?

They are substances that may protect cells from damage causes by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C,E and A and other substances.

Can antioxidants prevent cancer?

Considerable laboratory evidence from chemical, cell culture and animal studies indicates that it may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer. However, more large-scale randomized clinical trails need to be done. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals as the natural by-product of normal cell processes. Free radicals molecules with incomplete electron shells which make them more chemically reactive than complete electron shells. When an oxygen molecule (02) becomes eclectically charged or “radicalized” it tries to steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage to the DNA and other molecules. Over time such damage may become irreversible and lead to disease including cancer.

Foods rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, some meats, poultry and fish.
• Beta-carotene is found in foods that are orange in colour, including sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin and mangos. Green leafy vegetables including greens, spinach and kale are also rich in beta-carotene.
• Lutein, best known for its association with healthy eyes is abundant in green, leafy vegetables greens, spinach and kale.
• Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, blood oranges and other foods.
• Selenium is a mineral, not an antioxidant nutrient, however it is a component of antioxidants. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources. Meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Brazil nuts offer large quantities of selenium.
• Vitamin A, is found in three forms, retinal ( Vit A1) 3,4-didehydroretinol ( vit A2 ) hydroxyl-retinol ( vit A3 ). Foods rich in A include liver, sweet potatoes, carrots and mozzarella cheese.
• Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid and can be found in almonds, in many oils , corn and soybean oils and is also found in mangos, nuts broccoli and other foods.
• Vitamin E, nuts & seeds whole grains and leafy greens.

The lesson;

Eat your fruits and vegetables ! Antioxidants are believed to protect the body from free-radical damage. So the best way to ensure adequate intake of the antioxidant nutrients is through a balanced diet consisting of 5-8 servings of vegetables per day.

Urinanalisis now offered through Rexall Upper Paradise location to check for antioxidants and Vitamin C defeciancy !

Nadine Janacek
Blog Reporter Rexall #0202