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3430-D Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA 23139 ~ 804-598-5352 www.herbalconsultant.com |
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WHAT ARE ANTI-OXIDANTS AND WHY ARE THEY SO
IMPORTANT? The National Cancer Institute describes anti-oxidants as follows: “Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free 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. Exposure to various environmental factors, including tobacco smoke and radiation, can lead to free radical formation. Antioxidants ‘mop up’ free radicals, meaning they neutralize the electrical charge and prevent the free radical from taking electrons from other molecules.” In plain English, this means anti-oxidants help repair damage to our cells and are important for overall wellness. They may also help prevent cancer. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, some meats, poultry and fish. The list below describes food sources of common antioxidants. • Beta-carotene is found in many foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard 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 such as collard greens, spinach, and kale. • Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods. • Selenium is a mineral, not an antioxidant nutrient. However, it is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. The amount of selenium in soil, which varies by region, determines the amount of selenium in the foods grown in that soil. Animals that eat grains or plants grown in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of selenium in their muscle. In the United States, meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Brazil nuts also contain large quantities of selenium. • Vitamin A is found in liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is in many fruits and vegetables and is also found in cereals, beef, poultry and fish. • Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is present in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods. Many multiple vitamins contain anti-oxidants in varying amounts. Check the bottles to be sure they include lutein and selenium in addition to the normal vitamins. Natural forms of all vitamins and supplements are better for you. Also, green tea and coffee are full of anti-oxidants, but are still caffeinated, so there's no need to get carried away! Anti-oxidants are important for just about everyone. For those who don’t eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, supplementation is recommended. Cautions: Smokers should not consume large amounts of Vitamin A. If you smoke, talk to a qualified heath care professional before supplementing with additional Vitamin A. This caution does NOT apply to beta-carotene. Also, Vitamin E has blood-thinning properties and large amounts are not recommended for people taking blood-thinning medications.
HEALTH WORKSHOP: TREATING ADD/ADHD WITHOUT
DRUGS Monday, October 24, 2005, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Apothecarian Herbals, 3430-D Anderson Hwy. ~ $10.00 per person Pre-register by calling 598-5352, 677-0805, or sign up at www.herbalconsultant.com/Calender.htm PRESENTED BY WHOLE-ISTIC HEALTH AND APOTHECARIAN HERBALS
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ADULT
NUTRITION CLASSES at Powhatan High School Take the mystery out
of reading food labels. Get
tips for giving recipes a healthy makeover, and discover which
vitamins and supplements are essential for good health at any age.
Learn life-long eating habits that will keep you well. October
12 – 6 Weeks (Wednesdays) $15.00
October
17 – 1 week (Monday) Free
to seniors! Instructor (both):
Debbie Markel, Certified Herbalist and Certified Natural Health
Professional Beta
Carotene: 25,000 i.u. softgels, 100 for $8.00 Vitamin C, incl. Ester-C with
bioflavonoids (various strengths/sizes) Vitamin E: 400 i.u. softgels,
100 for $12.00 Selenium: 200 mcg tablets, 60
for $7.75 ON
SALE… 10 mg softgels, 30 for just $5.00!!
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OCTOBER,
2005 NEWS
