| oxidant dietary supplement" is a catch phrase that | | | | second type of antioxidant is surface-active. |
| is bantered about without much clarification. | | | | These are polyphenols which are phytochemicals |
| American's are educated in the simple definition of | | | | or light absorbing substances which occur naturally |
| antioxidant: cancer fighter. There is really more to | | | | and help in plant photosynthesis. The group of |
| be explained about how these supplements work. | | | | antioxidants comprised of these transport |
| Still one thing that is unquestionably true is the | | | | neutralized free radicals from the water soluble to |
| high incidence of cancer especially in older people. | | | | the third type of antioxidant. There are over |
| The American Cancer Society reported that | | | | 4000 known polyphenals catalogued so far, the |
| between 1997 through 2001 the rate at which | | | | best being found in dark red fruits and vegetables. |
| new cases of all types of cancer were diagnosed | | | | The last group of antioxidants is that which is |
| in the United States was about 470 per 100,000 | | | | water soluble such as vitamin C. This water |
| people. During the same time period there were | | | | soluble antioxidant receives the neutralized free |
| about 200 cancer deaths per 100,000 people per | | | | radical from the transporting surface-active |
| year. It further reported that 76% of all cancers | | | | antioxidant and takes it to the liver where it is |
| are diagnosed in persons aged 55 and older. That | | | | made inert for excretion. |
| would suggest that while the cancer rate is high; | | | | This complex interplay amount these three |
| the death rate from cancer is not as high. | | | | distinct antioxidants is believed to prevent a range |
| With that much cancer in the population it is no | | | | of cancers from occurring in the first place. The |
| wonder that many people have decided on a | | | | degree to which a food or supplement possesses |
| course of preventative medicine. But what does | | | | this capacity is measured by a new standardized |
| an antioxidant dietary supplement really do and | | | | test. This measurement is expressed as the |
| how does it work? | | | | food's oxygen radical absorbing capacity or ORAC. |
| First, it must be explained that the villains as far | | | | The best ORAC values are found in deep colored |
| as scientists know so far are "free radicals". | | | | fruits and vegetables as well as green tea and |
| These are oxygen molecules and some other | | | | herbs like rosemary. Extra virgin olive oil has the |
| reactive compounds that can damage human cells. | | | | highest ORAC rating. |
| These villains to human health are produced by | | | | Only time can determine whether the American |
| viruses, pollutants, solar radiation and even normal | | | | public is successful in lowering the rate at which |
| cell processes. | | | | cancer occurs. By arming itself with a basic |
| There are three types of antioxidants which work | | | | understanding of the various substances that fight |
| in conjunction to stabilize free radicals and flush | | | | cancer's occurrence and making dietary changes |
| them from the body. Fat soluble antioxidants, like | | | | accordingly they may have a positive impact on |
| vitamin E and beta-carotene, are the first group | | | | cancer. |
| of antioxidants which neutralize free radicals. The | | | | |