We've all heard about antioxidants and know that they're great stuff, but what do they actually do? While there's plenty of science to back up the health claims, the nitty gritty can be confusing if you aren't a scientist. So here's the lowdown ...
Every day in our bodies, substances called free radicals are at work. Normally, they busy themselves in a useful way but when we are stressed, polluting our lungs with cigarettes or car fumes, or eating the wrong things, they get out of control and start attacking our own cells. This is called oxidation and is an early step towards ageing and disease. Antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin C, selenium, beta-carotene, are the 'good guys' in this process. They neutralise the free radicals and put our cells back to normal. So, eating lots of foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruit, vegetables, pure juices, oily fish and wholegrains, you can help your body keep free radicals under control.
Yes. Research shows that excessive oxidation in the body promotes cell ageing and contributes towards the development of so-called 'chronic diseases' such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. If you want to see free radicals in action, just cut open an apple and watch it go brown!
The best sources of antioxidants are foods that are naturally rich in them. These tend to be fruits and fruit juices, vegetables and vegetable juices, nuts, tea, oily fish and wholegrains.
A test called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is the standard way of measuring levels of antioxidants in foods and drinks. It was developed by the National Institute of Ageing in Baltimore, USA. As a guide, the US Food Drug administration (FDA) has recently suggested that Americans aim for 7,000 ORAC units per day. Are you getting enough? Check out the antioxidant count on certain food labels (like those on Sunraysia bottles). If you have any questions please let us know at suggestions@sunraysia.co.uk
Most experts recommend that fruit juice, like any food, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of balanced diet. Fruit is one of the most nutrient-rich food groups, containing an array of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium and folate. UK health experts recommend that we eat 5 portions of fruit/vegetables a day. A glass of fruit juice counts as one portion.
Prunes are known to help you 'go' so you only need one large glass per day (around 200ml) to enjoy the benefits. Prune juice is particularly useful during pregnancy and can be drunk daily. In addition, prune juice in moderate amounts is suitable for all the family. However, as with all juices, it is best to dilute prune juice 50/50 for pre-school children and not to offer any juice to babies under the age of 6 months.
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