Going Anti-Antioxidant

Throw out your antioxidant supplements of beta-carotene and vitamins A and E. A very large examination of 86 studies recently found–to the surprise of many–that folks taking large doses of these antioxidants had shortened lifespans. This is counter-intuitive because antioxidants are thought to protect cells from free radicals (a normal by-product of metabolism.) Antioxidants in fruits and veggies are known to help prevent cancer and premature aging.

What happened?

This is one more demonstration of man-made nutrition supplements gone wrong. Whereas naturally-occurring antioxidants in fruits and veggies are known to protect cells, the man-made versions in high doses don’t have the same effect. It isn’t yet known why or how man-made antioxidants affect the body, but for now you are better off without them.