The prefix “anti” means against, in opposition to, or corrective in nature. In order to understand antioxidants, it helps to learn what exactly these agents oppose and correct.
Within the human body, millions of processes are occurring at all times. These processes require oxygen. Unfortunately, that same life-giving oxygen can create substances, which cause cell damage and lead to chronic disease.
Oxidants, commonly known as “free radicals,” are also introduced through external sources, such as exposure to the sun, radiation and pollution. Other mediums include stress, elevated blood sugars, as well as things that people put into their bodies, such as alcoholic beverages, unhealthy foods and cigarette smoke.
In much the same way as oxidation creates rust, causing a breakdown on the surface of inanimate objects, oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. Free radicals produced by this breakdown attack healthy cells, usually DNA as well as proteins and fats. This chain of events can weaken immunological functions, as well as speeding up the aging process. It is also linked to several diseases, such as cataracts, various forms of cancer and heart disease. And, some studies indicate possible links to arthritis and several other chronic conditions.
Antioxidants, or anti-oxidation agents, reduce the effect of dangerous oxidants by binding together with these harmful molecules, decreasing their destructive power. Antioxidants can also help repair damage already sustained by cells.
Anti-aging medicine, an important emerging trend in the field of healthcare, focuses on how to effectively fight disease, slow the aging process and achieve optimal health. In her latest book, “Breakthrough: 8 Steps to Wellness – life Altering Secrets from Today’s Cutting Edge Doctors”, Suzanne Somers outlines how each of us can take control of our health by making better choices in our diet and lifestyle.
Consuming healthy food is a priority. Finding the most nutritious foods can be quite a challenge. Raw, unprocessed cocoa, the primary ingredient in chocolate, is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and catechins.
Unfortunately, much of chocolate available on retail store shelves has lost most of its nutritional value due to the use of heat during processing and the addition of preservatives, artificial flavors, fillers and waxes. However, Xoçai has made a commitment to produce the healthiest dark chocolate possible. Xoçai chocolate is cold-pressed and contains the highest quality raw, unprocessed cocoa powder from the Ivory Coast, along with Acai berries from Brazil and blueberries. Because the fermentation, drying and roasting processes are closely monitored, Xoçai Healthy Gourmet Dark Chocolate delivers the optimum amount of antioxidants naturally found in cacao (cocoa).