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As we continue from the last issue, there are many hot discussion points in the world of newtrition (sic), but the hottest topic right now deals with the role of antioxidants in contributing to our overall health and disease prevention. There is continually greater evidence that antioxidants can allow us to live longer lives with less disease developing (i.e./ heart disease, cancer, "old age",… etc) and therefore play tennis for greater periods of our lives unimpeded. If someone told you that you would probably sign up tomorrow and order your lifelong supply of antioxidants. One has to raise a flag of caution though as this research is all new and we really have to wait to see the long-term effects of the antioxidants on our bodies. Nonetheless, this breakthrough holds great promise and we must be hopeful of its success.
Knowing that antioxidants are good for us and we should try to include then in our regular diets, which are the best foods to eat? The vitamins that provide antioxidant benefits are vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene. One can try to eat enough natural food products, which contain high amounts of these vitamins, or one can supplement ones diet with prepared foods that have a high concentration of these vitamins. Vitamin C is found in the following type of foods, … citrus fruits, tomatoes, green peppers, and salad greens. Vitamin E is found in the following type of foods … green leafy vegetables, seeds, cereals, fruits and meats. Beta-carotene is found in the following type of foods … carrots, squash, yams and some other vegetables.
We know that free radicals are a naturally produced substance in our body and that they are dangerous to our tissues if they are allowed to run rampant. As a result, the body is equipped with some fancy enzymes (type of proteins) to help neutralize these reckless molecules so they cannot injure our cells/tissues. The problem is that many environmental factors can interfere with this fairly efficient system and subsequently allow the damaging free radicals to accumulate. It is no secret that smoking is one of those environmental factors that can interfere with this system. We also know that by eating certain types of foods we can help maintain this supply of protective enzymes to help prevent disease from occurring in our years to come. I am sure that this will go a long way in helping your tennis game over the years as well. So stock up on your vitamins C and E and beta-carotene from here on in. They say that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but the writer feels that you can teach any person "newtritional" tips.
Respectfully submitted,
Howard A. Winston
MD, CCFP, FCFP
Dip. Sport Med. (CASM)
Medical Director, The Centre for Health & Sports Medicine
07/2000
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