Our Built-in “Antioxidant” System
Antioxidants have been in the popular press for more than 20 years and, while many people may not understand what exactly antioxidants do, they have the right idea that consuming foods known to contain high levels of the compounds is better than not consuming them. In its simplest form, an antioxidant is a compound that can be consumed or that the body makes to defend against damaging effects of free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and tissues. We are exposed to free radicals through everyday living.
The antioxidant properties of fruits and vegetables are commonly ascribed to their high content of special nutrients, such as polyphenols, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene. These nutrients function by reacting with free radicals to prevent them from causing cellular damage. Recent work from Dr. Steven Zeisel’s laboratory at the NRI, however, suggests that much of the antioxidant effect of these foods when eaten in fact arises from compounds not directly involved in free-radical scavenging. Continue reading.
Free Public Lecture
The NRI’s popular public event series, Appetite for Life, continues Tuesday, October 13 with a free presentation by Natalia Surzenko, Ph.D., on Diet and Brain Rejuvenation.
The program is at 7:00 PM in the D.H. Murdock Research Institute at 150 Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis,and will be simultaneously webcast. Click here to register or click here for instructions on how to attend virtually.
Dr. Surzenko’s talk will discuss how some areas of the human brain continue to rejuvenate throughout life. The types of cells that produce neurons during brain development and in adulthood are termed “stem cells.” The same environmental factors that influence stem cells and brain development during childhood also determine how many new neurons are made in the brains of adult and aging individuals. Among these are nutrients and vitamins present in our daily diets.Learn more here.
Pavers for Progress
The research conducted at the NRI is critical to the development of tomorrow’s healthcare. When you purchase a commemorative brick to be placed in the NRI plaza, you’re making a lasting gift that supports our progress. Honor loved ones or make a statement that will speak for you forever.
“Dream. Discover.
Teach. Inspire.
K. Davidowitz Corbin”
“In loving memory of
Fred and Virgie
Overcash”
Your gift allows the NRI’s ground-breaking research to help individuals in our communities, across our nation and throughout the world as we learn how to develop nutrition-based solutions to common health concerns.
Purchase your brick today.
