There are some bad molecules trying to wreak havoc on your body, both physically (external working parts) and physiologically (internal working parts). 

Antioxidants are the molecules that protect us against these misbehaving molecules (often referred to as free radicals).  Free radicals harm us by causing inflammation, which you can think of as damage to the cells in your body. 

This damage can lead to things like plaque build up on the lining of blood vessels, which can make blood clots form. 

These clots could eventually either block off the blood supply to the organ supplied by that vessel, or break off and travel to a distant location, and block off a vessel to another organ (i.e., your brain causing a stroke). 

These misbehaving molecules can also cause damage to your skin, and lead to wrinkles, brown spots, and scars. 

Antioxidants protect us against all these situations.

Antioxidants also protect your body against changes to cells that can lead to certain cancers.  Particularly for our men, antioxidants are demonstrated protectors against prostate cancer. 

For women there is evidence that antioxidants offer some protection against breast cancer.  And there is very convincing evidence that these little warriors fight off colon cancer for all of us.

You’re probably wondering how antioxidants can work so precisely?  They probably don’t!!  These are just the areas of our bodies that have been most extensively studied, and where antioxidants have been shown in ”clinical” trials to have a cause and effect result.
 
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

I’m glad you asked…

You can protect yourself and those you care about by fighting back against the free radical invasion!

HOW?
 
With proper diet, exercise, and other prudent health habits, you can protect your heart; live longer, and look and feel better the whole time.

Here’s where the BERRIES come in!!!

All of the berries: Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, as well as Cherries and Grapes.

Eat lots of really green leafy veggies and don’t forget the red tomatoes and the beta-carotene loaded carrots and squash.

Get a lot of good Omega-3-Fats from eating some oily fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines. 

Don’t like fish.  Try flax seeds, or the oil from these tiny powerhouses.  These have the extra benefit of cooling down hot flashes, soothing stiff joints, moisturizing your skin and keeping your colonic function functioning.

AND GET A MOVE ON!

Find some aerobic exercise you like and DO IT!!! 

Aerobic exercise has been shown to increase the body’s production of the mighty ANTIOXIDANTS.

Stay tuned for more tips on how to live longer and healthier…