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Antioxidant Facts

Antioxidant Facts - True or False?  "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", False, at least not anymore.

Today we need to arm our bodies with antioxidants everyday to keep the doctor away.

It's kind of a new "buzz" word in the nutrition/health world.  You see it plastered on food and beverage labels all over the grocery store. But don't under estimate the disease prevention benefits.

Do You Need Antioxidants?

All the antioxidant facts can be overwhelming.  I will just give you a general description and not the scientific definition of Antioxidants.

So let's condense this big subject down to a few concise points. 

The Questionnaire will tell if you're getting the right amount of antioxidants.

Yes, your body needs antioxidants and here's why.......

Oxidation causes aging in the body.  It's like rusting in the case of metal. 

Anti means against, antioxidant means against aging.

Inflammation and degenerative diseases have all been linked to the damage caused by free radicals in our body.

Free radical formation in the body is a natural function.

Our diet and lifestyle can increase the amount of free radicals.

Antioxidant facts all agree that free radicals can be neutralized by the donation of a missing electron. 

The best way to protect the body is to increase your antioxidants.

Fruits and vegetables are the best source of antioxidants.

More Antioxidant Facts

Research continues to reveal that chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the underlying causes for many of the chronic illnesses so prevalent in our society.

Chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s aren’t the inevitable products of old age. 

They are caused by a lack of antioxidants in the diet.

Antioxidants are found primarily in fresh fruits and vegetables.

The bright colors of fresh produce actually come from anti-aging and disease preventing nutrients and compounds.

Sadly, most Americans eat very little fresh produce.

Antioxidant Questionnaire

One of my instructors, Steven Horne, developed this Questionnaire to help you determine your own personalized antioxidant facts. 

Check the answer that best applies to you for each of the following questions.

Then, score the total number of points for each answer at the bottom of the page.

How many servings of fresh, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables do you usually eat each day? (Canned fruits and vegetables don’t count!)

• 7 or more (35 points)
  
• 5-7 (25 points)
  
• 3-4 (15 points)
  
• 1-2 (5 points)
  
• Less than 1 (0 points)
  

Do you have any kind of inflammatory disease (anything that ends in “itis” such as arthritis, colitis, etc.)?

• No (10 points)
  
• Yes (0 points)
  

Do you want to reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes and other degenerative diseases?

• No (0 points)
  
• Yes (10 points)
  

Do you suffer regularly from chronic aches and pains (stiff neck, sore back, headaches, indigestion, etc.)?

• No (10 points)
  
• Yes (0 points) 

Total Your Points Here _____

Interpreting Your Results:

If you scored 45 or more, you’re doing great! 

If your score is less than 45, you may want to consider an antioxidant supplement.

If you scored less than 25, you definitely need an antioxidant supplement.

How to Increase Your Antioxidants

Antioxidant drinks or supplements are a good way to increase your antioxidants.

There are many good drinks on the market especially the ones with Acai Berry, Mangosteen and Noni juices in them. 

You can also get antioxidants in supplement form for both children and adults.

Additional Resources

Acai Berry, a potent Antioxidant

More on Antioxidants

What are Free Radicals