Shocking Headline!

A recent study published by the Archives of Internal Medicine puts forth a bold statement:

Fruits and Veggies May Prolong Your Life

While the results of this study should be a surprise to no one, the details behind the headline are quite interesting.

The researchers measured blood levels of a single antioxidant, alpha-carotene, in 15,000+ patients over the course of 14 years. The results indicated that patients with the highest levels of alpha-carotene had a risk of death that was 39% lower than patients with the lowest levels.

Does that mean that alpha-carotene is now the holy grail of health?

Not exactly.

Alpha-carotene is one of thousands of antioxidants on which our bodies rely every day. In fact, it is far less known than a close relative, beta-carotene, which we convert to Vitamin A as needed.  Human beings need a balance of these antioxidants to allow our immune systems to function properly.

So What Do Antioxidants Do?

To see an example of oxidation, just look around outside for a piece of exposed metal. After long exposure to the elements, many metals will rust or oxidize. It bears no resemblance to the normal metal that preceeded it. Brittle, weak, discolored, and thinned, if left alone it will spread and affect the intact metal around it. The best way to combat rust is to prevent it by treating the metal by producing alloys or the use of paint and other protective agents

Antioxidants are our protective agents. Our bodies face a daily onslaught of trauma, physical pounding, toxic exposures, virus & bacteria, and a host of other stresses that cause damage to our tissues. As a result of this damage, free radicals (a.k.a. oxidative stress, reactive species) are released from injured cells. These free radicals, if left unchecked, destroy cells and tissues around them, and the damage spreads. Oxidative stress causes chronic, life-threatening health problems like heart disease and cancer.

The role of antioxidants is to latch on to these free radicals and minimize the damage they cause. The list of antioxidants is long and includes important, well-known players like:

• Vitamin C
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin E (tocopherols)
• Carotenoids (alpha- and beta-carotene)

but also includes lesser-known chemicals:

• Alpha Lipoic Acid
• Glutathione
• Selenium
• Bioflavinoids

Unfortunately, there is not one antioxidant that will offer peace of mind. The entire range of antioxidants must be consumed to offer a blanket of protection. The surest way to get a wide array of antioxidants is to...

eat a variety of rich, darkly-colored fruits and vegetables.