Friday, June 3, 2011

Eating Better #3- Antioxidants and Omega 3's


The following is not original content...I have a research paper due on Monday and finals all next week so I am taking a break for a few days.

Antioxidants

An antioxidant is any chemical compound or substance that inhibits or reduces oxidation damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are found in green tea, tomatoes, carrots, and soy foods, as well as in vitamins A, C, and E .
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotene, lycopene, lutein and many other substances may play a role in helping to prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration.






OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids- 

Omega 3 fatty acids are simpler than they sound. Besides being the “active ingredient” in fish oil, they're nutrients. Along with other vital nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and calcium, our body needs omega 3 to develop and to keep us healthy. Like other nutrients, though, omega-3 fatty acids are usually something of which we just don't get enough, which is why many health-conscious consumers take fish oil supplements.



Omega-3s are part of a group of “essential fatty acids,” or EFAs. Our bodies can't manufacture them, so we have to eat them because we can't be healthy without them. 


Chronic diseases like depression, arthritis, 
ADHD, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, 
and type-2 diabetes are all linked to a lack 
of essential fatty acids. Omega-3s are also 
critical for the brain development of fetuses, 
babies, and growing children. Some researchers even think that omega-3s were responsible for the complex evolution of our human brains.


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