Natural Antioxidants
A paradox in metabolism is that while the vast majority of complex life on Earth requires oxygen for its existence, oxygen is a highly reactive element that damages living organisms by producing reactive oxygen species. Although oxidation reactions are crucial for life, they can also be damaging; hence, plants and animals maintain complex systems of multiple types of natural antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and various peroxidases.
These antioxidant metabolites and enzymes work together to prevent oxidative damage to cellular components such as DNA, proteins and lipids. It is a shown fact that as we get older the body produces less and less of its own natural antioxidants. Low levels of antioxidants, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, causes oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells.
One of the best ways to prevent numerous diseases is to boost the body’s natural antioxidants by consuming antioxidant-rich foods. Berries are amongst the best sources of antioxidants in the world. This is true of all types of berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and kiwi fruits just to name a few, but by far the best source of natural antioxidants is the Goji Berry.
Antioxidants have important disease-fighting properties, and the high amounts that are contained in Goji Berries have advantageous effects on your health when included in a balanced diet. Studies have found that antioxidants can help prevent and repair the stress in the body that comes from oxidation, which is a natural process that occurs during normal cell function
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