Amino Acids and Antioxidants
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Antioxidants
The presence of compounds called antioxidants, in the system can mop up free radicals before they damage other essential molecules. An antioxidant is a chemical that prevents the oxidation of other chemicals. Consuming more antioxidants helps provide the body with tools to neutralize harmful free radicals. Researches have now proved that oxidation in the body cells releases dangerous, very active molecules know as free radicals. These free radicals attack neighboring cells and over a long period of time can cause irreversible damage like mutation and sometimes cause diseases like cancer. It is estimated that there are more than 4,000 compounds in the food that act as antioxidants. The most studied include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and the mineral selenium. Selenium, a trace metal is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme system.
The presence of compounds called antioxidants, in the system can mop up free radicals before they damage other essential molecules. An antioxidant is a chemical that prevents the oxidation of other chemicals. Consuming more antioxidants helps provide the body with tools to neutralize harmful free radicals. Researches have now proved that oxidation in the body cells releases dangerous, very active molecules know as free radicals. These free radicals attack neighboring cells and over a long period of time can cause irreversible damage like mutation and sometimes cause diseases like cancer. It is estimated that there are more than 4,000 compounds in the food that act as antioxidants. The most studied include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and the mineral selenium. Selenium, a trace metal is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme system.
Muscle weighs more than fat, so when you combine dieting and exercise, you can expect to gain weight before you lose it. Growing muscle tissues and fibers also retain water, which also adds to the temporary weight gain.
Amino Acids
Amino acids circulate in the body and they serve as building blocks of protein. It keeps the body healthy and energetic and performs some important functions like maintaining the metabolism of the body, healing ulcers and maintaining the immunity level. It is responsible for the growth of skin, hair and nails, for building blood, muscles and the internal organs of our body. Amino acids cannot be stored, so foodstuffs like cereals, fruits, nuts, vegetables and seeds must be included in our daily diet. Lack of amino acids degrades the proteins from your body. Any excess amino acids are broken down in the liver by the process called deamination in which the nitrogen-containing amino group is removed and converted into urea for excretion and the remaining part forms glucose which can be utilized.
