Antioxidants and Cancer: The Truth Could Save Your Life

by Travis Van Slooten on August 5, 2009 · diet

in diet

People are frequently discussing the benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants work to slow down the process of cancer and sometimes even prevent it. Yes, the underlying truth regarding antioxidants and cancer simply is that antioxidants really work to prevent the development of cancer in your body.

Antioxidants are our bodies’ first line of defense in slowing down the destructive action of free radicals, which are found inside the body and in the environment. When they reach high levels in the body, they can be harmful and may cause cancer. Antioxidants have the power to stop free radicals from multiplying and doing severe damage to our bodies.

Research has shown that a high level of antioxidants not only aid in cancer prevention, they also delay the growth of cancer cells already present in the body. Many cancer patients have taken to loading up on antioxidants to somehow slow down the damage cancer brings.

Antioxidants are packed in fruits and vegetables, but you can also find them in other foods like fish, poultry, some meats, nuts and grains. Beta-Carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E all work in your body against the free radicals that are doing the damage to your system. If you are not fighting the free radicals, then they will continue to multiply because as the free radicals work to fix themselves in your body, they are stealing vital nutrients from your other cells. This in turn causes damage to the cells. The process just goes on in a vicious circle and then the free radicals can lead to cancer.

They work to flush the free radicals from your body and repairing the cell damage already inflicted by the free radicals. Where do free radicals come from? Why do you have to fight against so many to be healthy? It is because free radicals come from many places and actions. Simply breathing in oxygen causes free radicals. You also get them in abundance from exposure to sunlight, food digestion, pollution and cigarette smoking.

No matter whether you are genetically inclined to get cancer or you are just worried about the number of free radicals in your body that may lead to cancer, you should start consuming more fruits and leafy veggies, as well as other veggies that have antioxidants. Pick nuts and grains that are packed full of them.

There’s also another way of increasing your supply of antioxidants in the body without having to consume large amounts of fruits and leafy vegetables. This is by regularly taking a supplement that contains a high level of antioxidants, thereby boosting your body’s immune system. A high-quality supplement, a diet that incorporates antioxidant-rich foods, and a healthy lifestyle is your perfect defense against cancer.

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