Living things cannot exist for long when oxidation happens. Oxidation in the body occurs when organic compounds and molecules lose electrons especially to certain oxygen containing compounds called ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) or to Ultraviolet rays from the sun. Structures in the body are changed and altered by these oxidizing agents, so that they do not carry out their original roles anymore. This is a big headache for life, and it has to somehow try and fight this either by preventing molecules from being oxidized or neutralizing oxidizing agents. This is the role that antioxidants play.
There are various types of antioxidants, but they can all be grouped into three major groups: namely vitamins, enzymes, and phytochemicals.
Although all these can be gotten from foods, drinks can also play an important role, as they are easier and quicker to get into the body. These are four of them.
1. Grape juice
Grapes and other citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids(vitamin P) which prevent diseases like scurvy, and inflammations in the body. They work mainly by neutralizing free radicals (including the ROS compounds) that are one of the main culprits behind oxidation.
2. Tart cherry juice
Tart cherry contains many kinds of antioxidants, one of which phytosterols has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol blood levels.
3. Green tea
Green tea has a very powerful antioxidant called ECGC, which is able to prevent inflammation to tissues, including cardiovascular tissues, so cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, heart damage, heart attacks, and other similar diseases like strokes, do not develop. This ECGC is also able to burn stored fat so you lose more weight quicker.
4. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is the nuclear bomb of the antioxidant world. It has more than double the number and amounts of antioxidants of most other drinks. It is truly an awesome drink that can prevent and cure many diseases and conditions that are related to oxidative damage.
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