With a background in medical studies, Sonia Dudnic Sreedharan obtained her Diploma in Holistic Nutrition from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in 1999, then went on to earn a degree in Food & Nutrition from Toronto's Ryerson University in 2005. As a Nutritionist at Renée's Gourmet, Sonia draws on her Nutrition knowledge to assist in the preparation of Renée's healthy products. According to Sonia, today's consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of food in relation to health: "People are starting to look more and more for products containing functional ingredients that not only taste good, but contribute to good health. Overall, we're making more informed food choices in the supermarket and at the table."
Antioxidants for Life
Antioxidants are a group of organic substances that help reduce damage caused by oxidation.
Oxidation causes cellular damage in the body, much like the interaction of iron with oxygen causes rusting over time. Similarly, an apple turns brown when cut because oxygen reacts with enzymes to cause cell breakdown. Apple-browning can be prevented by vitamin C-rich lemon juice, which inhibits enzymatic reactions and maintains the apple’s colour – hence the much-touted antioxidant properties of Vitamin C.
As a natural and on-going process in the body, oxidation, like exposure to tobacco, heavy metals and toxic environments, produces free radicals. Free radicals move around the body much like bullets ricochet and cause damage inside a closed chamber. In some cases, repeated cellular damage over an extended period of time may lead to disease.
By seeking and destroying free radicals, antioxidants play an important role in preventing cellular damage. Some studies suggest antioxidants found in foods containing vitamins A, C and E, Zinc and Selenium, may play a part in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Common sources of antioxidants in foods include pomegranates, blueberries, carrots, and citrus fruits – ingredients used in several Renée’s Gourmet Wellness Dressings.
