With all the “anti” words known in the English language like anti-war, antiperspirant, anti- depressant; who’d a thought “antioxidant” would’ve been one of the most popular words nowadays. Rightfully so, antioxidants have worked their way up the food chain to be a common word amongst health officials, schools, and the like. Why? WE’RE DYING! Although people are generally living longer, quality of life has hit an all time low. Illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer was once thought to be a sickness of the elderly. Not anymore. Younger and younger people are being plagued with these illnesses at an alarming rate. The villains behind such diseases are things like pollution, cigarette smoke, stress, and process foods, to name a few. Free radicals form in our bodies as a result of these culprits. Free radicals are molecules in our bodies that lose an electron which in turn convert healthy cells in our bodies to become free radicals also. This chain reaction, called oxidative stress, will disrupt millions of nearby cells, resulting in full blown disease. If you’ve ever seen rusted metal or a rotten apple—that is what oxidation is doing to the insides of our bodies. This “gang” of rogue cells is relentless and has claimed the lives of many through cancer. Well what do we do? Arm yourself!
Cut down— better yet— cut out the juiced up meat. I mean if America frowns on steroid taking athletes, why is it ok to eat steroid filled meat? Talk about wild game! Processed and canned foods don’t help either. If you need a scientific dictionary to read a food label, it’s not worth eating. Most importantly, you should fight oxidation with anti-oxidation! Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that actually give electrons to molecules in the body that lack them. That way they don’t go around bullying other cells in an effort to steal an electron. Scientists have found a way to measure the antioxidant’s ability to neutralize a free radical. This test is known as the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity test. (O.R.A.C) Different fruits and vegetables are tested and given an O.R.A.C score. Blowing past the blueberry and pomegranate, (once known as top antioxidant fruits) the acai (ah-sah-ee) berry comes in as the most powerful antioxidant known to man with an O.R.A.C score of 1027! That says a lot, being that the blueberry comes in at 260. In fact, the acai berry is 500-1000% higher in antioxidant activity than any other fruit or vegetable. While it benefits to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting your fill of acai is the most efficient way to go. Take a look at this video for your best source of acai. Click here!
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All the best and God Bless,
Ammo Athletics