Happy April!!

I've been hearing about new studies challenging the idea that antioxidants are important for staying healthy and young. WHAT? So when I saw this article by NOVOS, I appreciated their thoughts and wanted to share with you.

For example, the authors point out that "mounting evidence shows that the substances antioxidants are supposed to neutralize, free radicals, can even have life extension effects."

Here's another interesting excerpt from the article - "Besides exercise, we know that foods like vegetables, fruits and green tea are healthy. The classic, main explanation for this is that these foods contain antioxidants. But this is an oversimplification. A reason that healthy food is healthy is not because of its antioxidant activity, but because this food contains slightly toxic substances. These substances upregulate detoxification and repair enzymes in the body, so that our body is better protected against damage."

This reminds me of the concept of hormesis - the idea that small, short bursts of certain stressors on our body can make us stronger and healthier by causing a cascade of specific cellular processes. Think intermittent fasting, cold showers, or exercise. Now I'll also be thinking of the natural "anti-nutrients" in plants.

I found an article in Scientific American from 2015 with the headline -Toxic Chemicals in Fruits and Vegetables Are What Give Them Their Health Benefits. Chemicals that plants make to ward off pests stimulate nerve cells in ways that may protect the brain against diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

I always thought that our understanding of the science of nutrition and health was mostly complete, and that all the advice on what to eat and how to stay healthy was accurate. But I keep learning new things that make me realize we still have a ways to go.

Here's to staying healthy and feeling good!

Tina