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Women Require More Antioxidants Than Men!
* *Women Require More Antioxidants Than Men! Because women have the miracle of birth possible, all the equipment for that requires a lot of maintenance! A new study suggests that women require antioxidants, and may require more antioxidants than men because they experience more oxidation. If there is a fountain of youth, it probably flows through a succulent watermelon or golden pineapple! These foods are rich sources of antioxidants; food nutrients that slow down cell damage and may improve immune function and lower cancer risks. Every day more research emerges that supports the health benefits of an antioxidant rich diet. We women require antioxidants, but what do antioxidants do, exactly? Consider car rust. The main reason that a car rusts is that over time oxygen starts to wear the car’s body down, allowing for damage in the most vulnerable places. We require Oxygen, but it works on your body over time, too, and causes "rusting" of the human sort, such as wrinkles, cancers and heart disease. Antioxidants change “free radicals” or unstable molecules that are a byproduct of oxygen. Of further interest to women is that of hormone replacement; From the latest information provided by the Women's Health Initiative, Hormone therapy was used to ease symptoms of menopause, and it was also advocated as a preventive to help protect women against heart disease, weak bones, and dementia, but.. In July 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) abruptly ended its combination of oestrogen and progestin therapy study, as their data discovered higher rates of breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in the population taking the hormones, compared to those taking placebos. And three years later, after follow up results, the bottom-line message from this three year post intervention follow-up is; Women's Health Initiative; Information on Hormone Replacement Therapy What is Vitex?Vitex is a shrub with silvery leaves and clusters of purple flowers,and small black peppercorn-like berries, reddish-grey fruits. The berries taste a little spicy and tart, and the plants can grow as high as 17 feet tall.It is said to be a wonderful tonic, and enhances the chances of conception, and relieves many of the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.Vitex is not a hormone, but it seems to have a balancing effect on hormones by stimulating and normalizing the pituitary gland, which regulates the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Vitex nourishes and supports the endocrine system to find its own balance. It has none of the hormonal building blocks that many of medicinal herbs contain.Most of the research I have found focuses on the benefits to women throughout their whole life, in normalizing reproductive cycles, improving fertility and lactation, and Vitex is also useful for women with uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, or endometriosis, as all of these conditions proliferate under the influence of estrogen and shrink under the influence of progesterone. It is the single best herb I have seen for treating the many possible symptoms of PMS: cramps, flooding, headaches, depression, water retention, constipation, acne, breast tenderness, and irritability, and it can help normalize irregular or scanty periods.Vitex does not work instantly, but effects can be noticed after using it for about a month, and some women find it useful throughout their life. But not just for women; there are applications for men as well, as Vitex has been shown useful in Prostate hypertrophy. The flavanoids as well as other nutrients in Vitex may have anti-inflammatory, sedative, and analgesic properties. Side Effects? Allergic reactions can occur to any natural product in sensitive persons, but I have not seen published any allergic reactions to vitex. The fresh or dried berries can be made into a tea, and used, or there are many herbal preparations on the market.
Along with antioxidants, there are herbs that help women achieve balance. Have a look at the range of herbs below;
These free radicals damage our body’s cells, tissues and DNA. Cigarette smoke and excess sun exposure can also form free radicals. We can have the benefit of these free radicals by eating a variety of antioxidant rich foods, protecting our skin from the sun [and kicking the smoking habit]. The information below shows vitamin and mineral sources of antioxidants, how they protect the body and what are good food sources for them.
Carotenoids,which helps form vitamin A,
• Promotes normal vision
• Promotes cell and tissue growth and health • Prevents infections of the genital, respiratory and urinary tract as well as of the skin, mouth, stomach and intestines • Reduces some cancer and aging-related disease risks Good Food Sources are; Apricots, cantaloupes, red and yellow peppers, sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, broccoli, spinach and other greens Vitamin E • Prevents the breakdown of bad cholesterol, which leads to arterial plaque • May protect from some forms of cancer Wheat germ, seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, whole grain products, peanut butter, vegetable oils and foods made with vegetable oils like salad dressings and margarine Selenium • Works with vitamin E to protect against heart disease • Aids in cell growth • Boosts immune function Brazil nuts, seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, pasta, cottage cheese and bread
Vitamin C • Prevents infection by stimulating antibody production • Forms collagen, a connective tissue that holds muscles, bones and other tissues together • Prevents bruising by promoting the health of blood vessels • Helps with absorption of iron and folate from plant foods like raisins, beans and peanut butter • Attacks free radicals in body fluids and reduces the risk of cataract development • Promotes gum health Guavas, red and green peppers, papayas, oranges, orange juice, broccoli, kohlrabies, strawberries, grapefruits, cantaloupes, tomatoes, tomato juice, mangoes and greens
Antioxidant compounds cannot just be lumped together, as they each have distinct effects. Starting antioxidant supplements earlier in life are helpful for heart protection.
The bottom line is that for better or worse, a diet high in antioxidants from food sources, just doesn’t translate to taking antioxidants as supplements for heart protection. Women require antioxidants, and Vitamin supplements don’t take the place of a healthy diet.
This is where whole food supplements come into play. They offer people wishing to boost their total nutrition on a daily basis the opportunity to do so, with confidence that they are not just taking a vitamin supplement, but are getting the phytonutrients from the whole foods within. Vitex, Chaste tree or Agnus castus Vitex is an interesting herb that is often used by women to help balance hormonal fluctuations. It does not contain hormones but it seems to have the ability to balance hormones through the master gland, the pituitary gland. The side effects of using vitex are stated to be rare, with minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching being reported by some women, and Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding and as it has an affect on hormone levels, it is common sense not to use it while taking other forms of hormone therapy, such as HRT, or the Oral Contraceptive Pill. A new study suggests that women require more antioxidants than men because they experience more oxidation, a link to higher risk of heart disease and other diseases.
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