The American Heart Association teaches us that atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, is caused by fatty buildups in our arteries. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a large factor in buildup of these fatty deposits. According to AHA, vitamin E is best of naturally occurring antioxidants for providing protection against oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Vitamin C is probably most potent general free radical fighter. Its antioxidant properties are used by nearly every cell of body. Vitamin C is a very strong immune system booster.

Here’s an interesting item from Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture. A study investigated effects of various cooking methods on broccoli. It concluded that microwave cooking depleted 97 per cent of broccoli’s flavonoids, a major antioxidant. By contrast, steaming broccoli depleted only 11 per cent of same antioxidants.

How prevalent is microwave cooking in kitchens of our homes? Dr Cristina Garcia-Viguera, co-author of study, concluded that it is best “to cook vegetables in minimum amount of water in order to retain their nutritional benefits.”

What To Do

To improve health of our cells throughout our bodies, to protect our cells from ravages of oxidation, it is essential to include a rich supply of important antioxidants in our daily diet. Two to four servings from fruit group and three to five servings from vegetable group daily are recommended.

If you find it difficult to consume an abundance of antioxidants from recommended food groups, then taking daily supplements should solve problem. Find easily digestible tablet or gel capsules from major companies or substitute good liquid supplements as a convenient and good-tasting alternative. As always, consult a physician before beginning a major new program.

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The best way to manage stress is to first become aware of stressors and to observe individual’s emotion and physical reactions to them. Most often, people ignore stress factors and just wish that they would go away. The stressor may be a person, a situation or an event. The individual must recognize that a stress factor is affecting his/her life and emotionally and physically he/she is reacting to it.

After which next thing to do is to recognize what can be changed. The change may occur by avoiding or eliminating stress factor completely as stated earlier or by reducing its intensity. This is done by managing stress over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis. If possible, it is best to try also to shorten exposure to stress. This may be done by taking a break, a sabbatical or a leave whatever possible so long as individual avoids physical premise where stress is present. Another way is to devote time and energy to effect change by practicing goal setting and time management techniques.

The next stress management technique is by reducing intensity of emotional reaction to stress. Simply said, to avoid worrying too much. The worriers most likely chicken out. Sometimes perception of stress factor is exaggerated. It’s like making a mountain out of a mole. It is best to work at adopting moderate views. Positive thinkers achieve more than negative thinkers.

By not worrying too much, individual saves his body from possible physical illnesses. He is protecting his health to deteriorate due to lack of sleep and inappropriate food intake.

It is best to build physical reserves to be able to manage stress. The usual exercise is needed for cardiovascular fitness at least done three to four times a week. Live a healthy lifestyle because this will be best armor in fighting daily struggle of life.

Lastly, maintain your emotional reserves. The support from family and friends are still basic necessities in life.

Do not work out for a stress free life, work out to achieve and live a well stress managed life.