Antioxidant supplements take part in a protective role for our general health.  Antioxidants supplements are theoretical to postpone the oxidation reactions which are is caused by the free radicals. The Free radicals are extremely reactive unstable atoms produced in our body that can damage cells causing to ageing and a number of diseases. They can damage the DNA, proteins and other cellular structures like the cell organelles and membranes.

The reactions of free radicals in the cell, and subsequent damage inflicted has been associated with various disorders and chronic diseases including atherosclerosis, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes and also inflammatory conditions

Antioxidants supplements are able to slow down or obstruct these dangerous reactions in the body.  They can halt the oxidation reaction with intermediates or directly. They react with the free radicals and put off the oxidation reaction from occurring. 

Antioxidants supplements can be used as tablets and capsules or taken as dietary supplements. They can provide a range of benefits for our health. (more…)

The Star Fruit comes from the Averrhoa carambola tree that is native to Asia, but is also cultivated in most tropical areas of the world, and can be found in higher end grocery stores and whole food markets.  Star fruit also known as Carambola is a juicy tropical fruit that is grown throughout Southeast Asia.

Star fruit is green when unripe; the fruit vary from pale yellow to deep amber when ripe. It has four to six strongly pointed ridges that run from top to bottom, and the soft flesh is encased in a thin waxy, translucent skin (which is eaten together with the flesh). When the fruit is cut crosswise each slice is shaped like a star, hence its named, “star fruit”. It’s relatively small in size, between 4 and 8 inches long, with a “sweet and sour” flavor.

The flavor is best described as that of a super-sweet tropical plum.  The Star Fruit is in season from July through September, although many grocery stores carry it in limited numbers year around.  The Star Fruit can be eaten whole or sliced; the skin is eaten as well, and is a source of the fruits nutrients. 

The star fruit has five lobes covered in an edible waxy yellow skin. The flavor of the yellow flesh is reminiscent of citrus fruit and varies from quite sour to mildly sweet, depending upon the variety. Some contain small dark seeds in the center. (more…)

Oxygen is the basis of all plant and animal life. It is our most important nutrient, needed by every cell, without it we cannot release the energy in food which drives all body processes; Oxygen is chemically reactive and highly dangerous, in normal biochemical reactions oxygen can become unstable and capable of “oxidising neighbouring molecules”, leading to cellular damage, which triggers cancer, inflammation, arterial damage and aging;
Known as free oxidising radicals, this body waste must be disarmed to remove the danger; Free radicals are made in all combustion processes including smoking, the burning of petrol to create exhaust fumes, radiation, frying or barbecuing food and normal body processes;
Chemicals capable of disarming free radicals are called antioxidants. The main players are vitamins A, C and E plus beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A that is found in fruit and vegetables;
Bioflavonoids, anthocyanadins, pycnogenol and over a hundred other antioxidants, may literally be the balance between life and death;
A low calorie diet high in antioxidant nutrients is the best way to slow down the aging process; (more…)