Fitness School

The benefits of antioxidants are many, including the prevention of cancers, Found in various forms in fruits and vegetables, they contain nutrients that work with our own nutrients to combat many common but serious illnesses in addition to disease. Research into these fantastic compounds continues with over nine hundred compounds discovered already,huge advances in preventative health care and nutrition are advancing at an almost daily rate. Recent studies have indicated the phytonutrients found in fruit provide a whole host of natural health benefits,the anti-aging power of blueberries, the joint pain relieving properties of cherries and a whole host of powerful properties in pomegranates are just a few examples.

But is doesn’t stop there as blueberries also contain a lower sugar content than most other fruits as well as many antioxidants. Currently the most efficient and pleasurable way to get the benefits of these fruits is by drinking their juice,some of the many benefits have been improvements in the body’s capacity to heal itself and benefits to circulation. The antioxidants are also efficient at fighting disease and dealing with infection. Even the humble apple is not immune with properties to help ward of heart problems.

The likes of many citrus fruits also have health benefits associated with the phytochemicals they contain. The health benefits of tart cherries are now being researched as a way to help those who suffer with joint conditions because they contain anti-inflammatory properties. We have all been informed of the essential health benefits of certain vitamins and minerals but these are being looked at in depth as well. Other types of antioxidants are found in mulberries, blackberries and blueberries, called resveratrol, Phytoalexins have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

Many aging conditions, including Alzheimer’s, can be treated with some of these. Nutrients contained in tomatoes have also been recognized to reduce the incidents of heart disease and help ward of certain cancers. There are a number of ways you can use tomatoes to gain the greatest antioxidant benefit from them and these include pureed, juice concentrate and sauce. More recently the refreshing watermelon has been discovered to contain some of the most beneficial phytonutrients yet seen. With all the natural goodness fruit contains and now the health benefits as well, isn’t it time for you to start having more fruit in your diet.

Back in the early part of the 1990’s a film called ‘The Medicine Man’ was released and the story revolved around a doctor working in South America who discovers the cure for cancer, only to lose it in a local disaster. A cure would bring a sigh of relief everywhere. The causes for cancer seem to be many but despite all the knowledge we gain, it is still almost impossible to know if or when a person will contract it.

There are theories that we all have it and it just takes something to start it off, but what is cancer? The word is often used by many to explain something that spreads out of control.

The malignant property of cancer differentiates it from benign tumors which limit their growth and do not invade or metastasize. Statistics show that cancer is responsible for around thirteen in every one hundred deaths each year. Nearly all cancers are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells.

Just to confuse the issue more, it is possible inherit genes that may be pre-disposed to it as well as faulty genetic DNA replication. It would seem some people are more susceptible to it than others and it may be their genetic makeup and their exposure to certain carcinogens that is responsible.

Research into the cause of cancer continues around the globe and is the disease most frequently studied on a regular basis. Study, in general, helps us learn why one person is more susceptible to an illness than another. Ultimately, even if they don’t find the cure for some time, this research may be able to tell us how to avoid contracting cancer in the first place.

There is a saying ‘You Are What You Eat’ and this is now being looked at more closely as food may have a direct effect on the incidence of the disease in certain groups. Calcium from dairy products is thought to be possible cause of prostrate cancer in males.

Cancer can affect any part of the body from the bones, blood, skin or organs. nowhere is safe from it. This is an insidious disease that can take a long time to surface but fortunately the number of forms that can be treated is increasing all the time. However, the consistent research is paying off and the life expectancy of cancer victims is increasing all the time.