Combat Obesity with Antioxidants

As we all know the incidence of Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate.,  We all know what we have to do to fight it, however, many of us fail to do so for various reasons. The state of being obese is described as a state of chronic oxidative stress.  Obesity promotes various risk factors that increase heart disease. 

Oxidative stress in laymen's terms is the imbalance between reactive oxygen molecules and the body's ability to detoxify itself from the damage.  Oxidative stress is believed to be responsible for increasing heart disease, cancer, pulmonary disease, hypertension, insulin resistance, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and speeding up the aging process. 

A recent study concluded that obesity even in the absence of smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or liver disease, can deplete the body's protective antioxidants.  Consistent with the notion that obesity is a chronic oxidative stress state. BMI and waist-to-hip ratio are significantly associated with oxidative stress markers in a large community based study.

 Because of this, recent studies have hinted at the therapeutic potential of Antioxidants in the reduction of body weight and influence on obesity related disorders.  Research on vitamin E, an antioxidant nutrient revealed that moderate amounts of antioxidant nutrient could reduce heart disease incidence by 40% in various age groups, when taking long term.  The study consisted evaluated close to 20,000 people between the ages of 50- 100 yrs. 

The aforementioned antioxidant works by protecting the arteries from the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Another study conducted at Harvard, showed that men who used antioxidant daily had a 37% lower risk of heart disease, also it should be noted that they used the antioxidant long term.


In addition trace elements like selenium and vitamins A, C, and E and the vitamin A precursor beta-carotene serve important protective functions. These antioxidant chemicals protect you by reacting with and removing free radicals.

The “oxidative-modification hypothesis” posits that oxidation of LDL cholesterol - similar to butter turning rancid- contributes to the plaque-forming, artery-clogging process of atherosclerosis.

Therefor it is prudent for individuals to supplement their food intake with Antioxidants; the national cancer society encourages consumption of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.  As a 2013 gift, I will provide you with a list of Top 10 Antioxidants. 

1. Tomatoes 
2. Blueberries
3. Peaches
4. Red Kidney Beans
5. Cranberries
6. Acai Berry 
7. Artichokes
8. Prunes
9. Kale
10. Bell Peppers  

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