Is Yoga the Next New 'Antioxidant'?

Have you ever wondered why people who do yoga often look a lot younger than their age? A new study on yoga might have some answers. A study in the July 2015 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that 12 weeks of yoga amped up the body's natural defense system against toxins. Yoga raised the level of natural antioxidants in the body and strengthened the immune system. What are antioxidants and why are they important for our health? When we process food for energy or when we are exposed to toxins like air pollution or ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, our body produces harmful byproducts called free radicals. These chemicals circulate through our blood and can damage DNA, cells, and tissues. Scientists call this harmful process unleashed by free radicals "oxidative stress." The effect of oxidative stress on the body has been linked to medical issues like heart disease, cancer, and even eye problems like glaucoma. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body and come in many forms: vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and minerals like selenium and manganese. The list of antioxidants is long and diverse, including proteins, enzymes, and compounds like glutathione, coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens. Eating foods rich in antioxidants like certain beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables and even chocolate, has been linked to better memory and heart health. Polyphenols, a type of antioxidant found in green tea, ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news