Some of the most potent free radical scavengers found in our foods. Grape Seed Extract:
Grape seed contains compounds called Procyanidolic oligomers, known as PCOS or Pycnogenol, long thought that some of the most potent plant antioxidants. As antioxidants, which are about 50 times more potent than vitamin E. OPCs are among the few antioxidants that cross the blood-brain barrier, and are very easy to absorb. PCO not only neutralize free radicals, but also synergistically with vitamins C and E.
Broccoli sprout extract:
Research at John Hopkins School of Medicine in the U.S., found that sulphoraphanes, substances found in high concentrations in broccoli, helps keep the body free of cancer. As the broccoli plant grows sulphoraphane levels drop. The researchers found that 3-day-old broccoli sprouts contain 20 to 50 times more than mature cooked vegetables. Sulphoraphanes act as indirect antioxidants. They drive what are called phase 2 enzymes in detoxification, which activate broad-spectrum antioxidant activity. The effect of Indirect antioxidants is more durable than direct antioxidants.
Green tea extract
The active phytonutrients in green tea are polyphenols called catechins. These are a form of bioflavonoids that have potent properties to fight free radicals and protects lipids against oxidation (rancid). Catechins have20 times have demonstrated the antioxidant potential of vitamin E. A particular type of catechin, found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, can also help the body produces its own antioxidant enzymes.
Oregano Extract
A very powerful antioxidant phenol in many herbs called rosmarinic acid. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the herb with the highest antioxidant activity, 3-20 times more than other herbs, is oregano. Oregano has an activity 42 times more antioxidants than apples, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries!
Curcuminoids
Curcuminoids nutrients, which are among the most well-researched plant found in the bright yellow spice, turmeric. Research to date indicates that curcuminoids have a powerful antioxidant action, but also provide the support the body in its anti-inflammatory function, as well as providing circulatory and immune support. The antioxidant activity of curcuminoids is approximately 3 times more potent than PCOS.
Bilberry Extract
The dark blue / purple pigments of cranberries contain flavonoids that have been shown to improve micro-circulation and act as very effective antioxidants. Bilberry is well known for its health benefits the eyes.
Lutein Lutein is the primary carotenoid eye. It is a light filter and a antioxidant and can help keep your skin free of skin cancer when exposed to UV light. Lutein is thought to protect the optic nerve and the macula of the eye. It is derived from the pigments of yellow, green and orange fruits, vegetables and egg yolks.
Lycopene
This is the carotenoid that makes tomatoes cells. Many studies, including one at Harvard, have focused on its antioxidant activity. Lycopene also supports the immune system to help keep the body free of the various cancers, especially bowel and prostate.
Alpha lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a highly effective, such as vitamin antioxidant that contains the mineral sulfur. Being fat and water soluble, can be used throughout the body. Alpha lipoic acid helps protect DNA from harmful free radicals and recycles other antioxidants, especially vitamins A and C, making them more useful in the fight against harmful free radicals.
Astaxanthin
This highly versatile red pigment of the small pink seaweed Haematococcus Pluvialis has up to 550 times more antioxidant capacity than vitamin E. It helps the body make better use of other antioxidant carotenoids, crosses the barrier between the brain and retina in the eye to protect the eyes against harmful UV rays, protects the skin against the rays UV, prevents bad cholesterol from oxidation and preserves muscle function during exercise.
Olive Leaf Extract
Sheets olive contain 'oleuropein', a flavonoid phytonutrients with powerful antioxidant activity. For example, oleuropein has been shown to help protect the LDL oxidation by removing free radicals, thus helping to support a healthy heart.
Beetroot
Beetroot contains anthocyanins, pigments that give the sweet tasting topsoil, indigo blue. Anthocyanidins have potent antioxidant properties and is known to inhibit lipid oxidation in the body. Beetroot also provides antioxidant vitamins A and C.
Berro
Watercress contains a family of phytonutrients called "isothiocyanates" known to combat damaging free radicals. Watercress is full of minerals and antioxidant vitamins A and C and chlorophyll, the pigment that gives its green Berro dark.
Garlic
Garlic contains an antioxidant phytonutrients called 'alliciin', which is known to scavenge free radicals in the body, and to help protect the oxidation of fats, such as LDL cholesterol. In this way, garlic is an herb prized and important food for health.
Carrot
Carrots get their color from bright carrot carotenoids, antioxidant pigments that are powerful to quench the damaging free radicals. The most known carotenoids in carrots is the antioxidant beta-carotene, which becomes the body to vitamin A. Carrots also contain the antioxidant Vitamin E.
Robin Logan RSHom(NA) FSHom MCH is a homeopath with 25 years experience and author of The Homeopathic Treatment of Eczema and inventor of ‘7 Cream’. You can read about him and his products and services at http://www.natural-skin-health.com.
VEGETARIAN RECIPES! FULL-BODIED & NUTRIENT DENSE JUICE RECIPE …try it for DINNER—seriously!
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Discovering vegetable treasures, a nutrition resource kit for upper elementary grades
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June 27th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
I really like your post. Always been very informational. I hope you’ll keep up the good work and maintain the standard. Best of luck.