Understanding the Antioxidant Controversy: Scrutinizing the Fountain of Youth Contributor(s): Milbury, Paul E. (Author), Richer, Alice C. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0275993760 ISBN-13: 9780275993764 Publisher: Praeger OUR PRICE: $64.35 Product Type: Hardcover Published: November 2007 Annotation: Current scientific theory presumes free radicals--unstable by-products produced by normal human metabolic processes-- damage the body, resulting in chronic health problems and degenerative changes associated with aging. Nutritional products on the market today promise that antioxidants can reduce--possibly even reverse--damage caused by these free radicals. If true, that would mean less chronic disease and premature aging, at the very least. But are antioxidants indeed the new Fountain of Youth? Media reports extol antioxidants as the solution to disease and aging, and some studies to seem to back up those reports. Yet the studies that have been completed are far from conclusive, and taking antioxidant supplements can, at times, be dangerous. This book explores current thinking, analyzes the studies, and answers the questions: What are antioxidants? What do they do? Is there any real benefit to taking them as supplements? Are there any real dangers for me? Media report preliminary and conflicting scientific studies on antioxidants, notwithstanding the fact that the final analysis about their effectiveness and safety is incomplete. The result is increasing sales of dietary supplements and so-called functional foods or "neutraceuticals" that are not regulated, nor proven, and a possible public safety crisis from "hypersupplementation." Milbury and Richer bring us up to date, sharing nuances and emerging news regarding antioxidants--and their dangers. Understanding the Antioxidant Controversy is an educated consumers' and health professionals' guide to this controversial topic. |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Medical | Nutrition - Medical | Pathology - Medical | Alternative & Complementary Medicine |
Dewey: 616.07 |
LCCN: 2007029900 |
Series: Praeger Series on Contemporary Health & Living |
Physical Information: 0.91" H x 6.84" W x 9.47" (0.99 lbs) 192 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Current scientific evidence suggests that free radicals-- unstable by-products produced by normal human metabolic processes--damage the body, resulting in chronic health disorders and degenerative changes associated with aging. Nutritional products on the market today promise antioxidants can reduce--possibly even reverse--damage caused by these free radicals. If true, that would mean less chronic disease and premature aging, at the very least. But are antioxidants indeed the new Fountain of Youth? Media reports extol antioxidants as the solution to disease and aging, and some studies do seem to back up those reports. Yet the studies that have been completed are far from conclusive, and taking antioxidant supplements can be dangerous. This book explores current thinking, analyzes studies, and answers the questions: What are antioxidants? What do they do? Is there any real benefit to taking them as supplements? Are there real dangers for me? Media report preliminary and conflicting scientific studies on antioxidants, notwithstanding the fact that the final analysis about their effectiveness and safety is incomplete. The result is increasing sales of dietary supplements and so-called functional foods or nutraceuticals that are not regulated, nor proven, and a possible public safety crisis from hypersupplementation. Milbury and Richer bring us up to date, sharing nuances and emerging news regarding antioxidants--and their dangers. Understanding the Antioxidant Controversy is an educated consumers' and health professionals' guide to this controversial topic. |