Antioxidants

We’ve known about the vitamin antioxidants for a long time: vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene leap to mind. Recently, other phytonutrients such as lycopene and resveratrol have been having their day in the sun. But there’s one antioxidant that may be the most important of all, and it hasn’t really received the amount of attention justified by its impressive benefits. In this article, let’s get to know the dietary antioxidant glutathione.

If a food or beverage makes your tongue feel like all the moisture has been sucked out of it, it could be because it’s rich in tannins. These compounds, produced by plants to protect themselves, may also protect us from inflammation, microbes, and free radical damage. But some people see tannins as antinutrients, compromising our ability to absorb minerals and protein. So what’s the truth about these common and strong-tasting phytochemicals?

Bitterness is the bane of any child (or adult!) told to eat their veggies. And many bitter plants are also poisonous. But it turns out that some bitter foods have a lot going for them — including major health benefits like improved digestion and lower rates of chronic illness. So what is it that makes these foods so special — and how can you learn to love them?

Lycopene is a nutrient that has only recently received the attention it deserves. One of the most potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants, lycopene appears to protect against a staggering array of chronic conditions, including cancer, heart disease, male infertility, and cognitive decline. But there are precious few dietary sources of this wonderful nutrient, and there are questions about its bioavailability. How much lycopene do you need, and what are the best sources?

If you believe the hype, CoQ10 is a wonder supplement that can do everything from helping athletes recover faster to giving tired people more energy to slowing down the aging process. But how much science is there to back up these claims? What does CoQ10 do in the body, and what happens when it’s in short supply? And can we get it from food, or is supplementation the way to go?

Can what you eat affect your sexual performance? Dr. Joel Kahn discusses the connection between heart disease and erectile dysfunction. And how to get adequate nitric oxide to your arteries without medication.

When you think about protecting yourself from sun damage and skin cancer, what’s the first thing you think of? Most people start and stop with sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves. But did you know that your diet can help your skin protect itself? This article discusses some natural sunscreen options to consider — including the best foods for sun protection and skin health.

You’ve heard the term antioxidants but learn all about what it really means.

You’ll be amazed to find out all the medicinal mushrooms benefits. You can use them to help boost your immune system, your athletic performance, and your mental clarity — and even for helping prevent cancer.

Beautiful, glowing skin starts with what you eat. Learn how foods and beverages can help you stay young. And discover 10 foods for healthy skin that will give you the antioxidants and other nutrients your skin needs to stay radiant and youthful.

Purple veggies are delicious and pretty — and packed with nutrition. See why they should be on your plate.

Discover an amazing scientific finding that shows how our bodies may be able to get energy directly from the sun...