Have you ever seen a really old truck that's been sitting abandoned for a few years? I bet it was reddish-brown and flaking in many places. Those reddish-brown spots are called rust. So what is rust? Rust usually refers to a common reddish-brown compound called iron oxide. Iron oxide forms when iron and oxygen react to moisture.
Oxidation
When chemicals in food are exposed to oxygen in the air, their chemical composition changes and they begin to break down. Think of an apple that was peeled and sits on the counter for awhile. It turns brown, right? That's simply because the apple skin is no longer there to protect the apple from exposure to oxygen. Animal and plant tissues contain antioxidant molecules to prevent this from happening. These molecules can slow the rate of oxidation.
Oxidation in our bodies damages our cells. When oxygen is 'metabolized' it creates 'free radicals' causing damage. Antioxidants found in certain foods help protect the cells in our body, or essentially 'neutralize' these free radicals.
Free Radicals
Free radical formation happens in the cells of your body all the time. It's normal. Things like air pollution, tobacco or pesticides can lead to free radical formation. And, our own bodies generate free radicals as part of our everyday metabolism.
Antioxidants are the the enemy of free radicals. They are like little soldiers that combat and fight off the damage. Antioxidant vitamins and antioxidant-rich foods are the perfect choice for your body.
Our Immune System
When our body has enough of the little soldiers to combat and fight off free radical damage, we have a 'strong immune system'. A strong immune system depends on the proper nutrients and a healthy lifestyle to keep our defenses up.
Our immune system has 'special forces' in the form of white blood cells. These cells produce specialized proteins called 'antibodies' that seek out and destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
What to Eat
We need adequate protein in our diet to ensure our body can manufacture all the antibodies it needs. Foods like fish, poultry, lean meats, soy foods and low-fat dairy products will provide the building blocks to make these specialized proteins.
Antioxidant vitamins are the enemy of free radicals. Pack your diet with lots of anti-oxidant veggies and fruit, including berries, carrots, leafy greens like spinach, and of course citrus fruits. These fruits and
vegetables are key players in your immune health because they are rich in vitamins A and C and lots of phyto-nutrients.
Vitamin C encourages your body to produce antibodies and vitamin A supports the health of your skin and tissues of your digestive tract and respiratory system.
Additional Support
Many times it's a challenge getting all the antioxidants from the food you eat that your body needs. Try the immune system support products by Herbalife Nutrition - quality supplements developed with quality control and NSF & ISO certified.
RoseGuard - Contains vitamins C and E for immune support. Provides antioxidant support with vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin C helps to recycle the antioxidant activity of vitamin E.
Schizandra Plus - Excellent source of selenium. Selinium and vitamins A, C and E provide general antioxidant suppot against free radicals. Vitamins C and E support the immune system. Excellent source of selenium and vitamins A,C, E and B6.
Best Defense - Supports the immune system. Formulated with Echinacea to support the immune system. 1,000 mg vitamin C. Contains 8 mg of zinc to support the body's immune function.
Immunity Essentials - Formulated with a unique fermentate called EpiCor®and key micronutrients, giving your immune system the support it needs to protect against seasonal stresses. Excellent source of zinc, Vitamins C and D
Comments