What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are organic molecules consisting of carbon and oxygen atoms. They have the ability to change their structure and balance themselves when they bind a free radical. These molecules have different types of chemical bonds between the atoms, including double bond and many lone pair electrons. The double bonds enable the molecule to re-arrange itself. The electron lone pairs enable the double bond to be renewed. This is the backbone behind how plants survive when they are growing in environments that causes them to have stress, like high winds, lots of sun, bugs, cold weather, etc. When we eat these plants, we eat these molecules and as a result, obtain their health benefits. In a nutshell, that is what makes up an antioxidant.
Why are antioxidants needed for weight loss?
Weight gain occurs when inflammation in the body causes fat synthesis to occur, This body makes more fat than it can metabolize. Some theories propose that weigh gain results due to the lack of utilizing energy. When energy is not used, as a result of a deficiency of antioxidants, then energy is not formed. As a result, the adipose tissue forms because the body cannot use the energy in food. then the person gains weight. Either way, the most health coaches believe that weight gain occurs when there is an excess intake of calories and a deficiency in exercise. So why do we need antioxidants in the meal plans for those who need to lose weight? Antioxidants, the molecules that reduce inflammation, will prevent the activation of genes that build fat. When we eat more berries, salads, greens and whole grains like buckwheat, we eat a diet high in antioxidants, and as a result, reduce proinflammatory cytokines that trigger fat synthesis at an enzymatic level.
Where do you find antioxidants?
Antioxidants are found in fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, olive oil and herbs and spices. Antioxidants are not found in the “SAD” diet. The equation so often referred to as “calories in equals calories out” will not help anybody lose weight and keep it off. When someone eats refined carbs and protein with high saturated fat, then what happens is a lot of inflammation is created in the body. If the person loses weight on this diet, they will lose weight based on the fact that they are not consuming adequate energy. But they will regain that weight back quickly as the underlying cause of inflammation is continued by the “SAD” diet choices. To counter this, we need to offer our clients meals plans with fresh vegetables like tomato, basil, olive oi, lettuce, baked vegetables with fresh herbs, caramelized onion and healthy fats like olive oil and avocado.
How do vitamins A, C and E compare to other antioxidants?
Vitamins A, C and E are all antioxidants that work together to help provide protection to the body’ different organs. For instance, Vitamin A is needed for eye health. Vitamin C and E both boost the immune system and work alongside Zinc to help regenerate their electron balance. Basically help renew them as antioxidants so that they can continue acting as antioxidants. But, these three vitamins differ from other large groups of antioxidants because of their chemical structure. Their structure lacks the complex folds, high number of double bonds and lone pair of electrons found on very effective large antioxidants found in meals plans with high amounts of fresh leafy herbs, parsley, basil, onion, dark cocoa, turmeric curries and sauces made with cinnamon and dry herbs like thyme. We should definitely consume vitamins A, C and E every day as we need these vitamins to stay healthy and not have any deficiencies. But we need more that what the RDA requires for survival in these basic vitamins. We need a diet high in antioxidants to thrive, reduce inflammation and bind free radicals, and block fat synthesis at the genetic level. This is why I created the Certificate of Training in Functional Nutrition for health coaches to embrace this topic completely.
Why should health coaches focus on weight loss meal plans with antioxidants?
Meals with antioxidants will contain more fiber and promote an anti-inflammatory response in the body. These meals will promote the intake of vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains and healthy oils. The overall quality of nutrient intake of these foods in the body will boost the immune system of the individual, boost their energy level, enable them to do more physical exercise, and enjoy their process of eating healthy. Sustainability is key with healthy and delicious meals. In this case, a person who needs to lose 50lbs can continue to inspire themselves and have positive weight loss results. For RD health coaches who are interested in this topic of functional nutrition and weight loss, you can complete a very interesting and well priced CDR approved Certificate of Training program on functional nutrition for 75 CEUS.
