Antioxidants are not new to us , now , but I remember when I first heard about them . Antioxidants are thought to protect our cells from “ free radicals .” Free radicals are manufactured in our bodies during the process of converting food into energy . If these free radicals are not controlled , they are destructive forces that harm cell membranes , create plaque that clogs arteries , cause genes to mutate and do other damage to our bodies . Antioxidants might prevent or delay some types of cell damage . Antioxidants have been studied in laboratory experiments . These experiments showed that antioxidants do interact with free radicals and stabilize them , thus preventing the free radicals from causing cell damage .
I have read that “ rigorous scientific studies ” have been and are still being conducted to determine the role of antioxidants in our diets . The findings suggest that consuming greater amounts of antioxidant-rich foods might help to protect against diseases . However , it is very interesting to note that there is strong evidence that even high doses of antioxidant supplements do nothing to prevent disease .
> Beyond Antioxidants
We have become aware that vitamins C and E are antioxidants . We have learned about beta carotene ( found in such vegetables as broccoli , cantaloupe , carrots , dark green leafy vegetables , sweet potatoes and winter squash ) and that our body converts it into the essential vitamin A . However , there are hundreds of other plantbased chemicals called phytochemicals that fight diseases .
Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced naturally by plants that might affect our health but phytochemicals are not scientifically defined as essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals . Phytonutrients are phytochemicals that are known to have or are suspected of having beneficial health properties . Phytochemicals are widely studied in medical and nutritional science because many of them have antioxidant , anticarcinogenic , neuroprotective , or anti-inflammatory properties . I read an article that suggested we think of phytochemicals as a general category that covers all bioactive plant-based chemicals
( whether beneficial to health or not ) and phytonutrients as a specific category encompassing all plant-based chemicals that are known to have a biological effect , and specifically , with benefits to health .
> Gut Health
Our gut contains the digestive tract organs and the gut microbiome , which is a balance of microorganisms that survive on the food that is in our gut . A healthy gut can prevent and heal illnesses . Researchers at Duke University found that eliminating processed foods ( foods that contain added oils , sugar or salt ) and convenience foods ( ready-to-eat foods ) and shifting to plant-based , whole foods can result in a healthier gut microbiome in as few as three to four days .
> Phytochemicals in Foods
There is a lot of evidence to support the health benefits of diets rich in fruit , vegetables , legumes , whole grains , nuts and seeds . Even herbs and spices , including
Thomasville Scene | Spring 2023 25