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Antioxidants

Antioxidants are frequently mentioned in everyday conversations. This applies to both scholars and laymen alike. These powerful substances, which mostly come from the fresh fruits and vegetables we eat, prohibit, the oxidation of other molecules in the body. The benefits of antioxidants are very important to good health, because if free radicals are left unchallenged, they can cause a wide range of illnesses and chronic diseases. In simple term, Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals which cause damage and may play a role in diseases such as heart disease and cancer. 

 

Antioxidants and Free Radicals:

Free radicals are constantly being formed during metabolism. Without antioxidants, they

would destroy our bodies very quickly. However, it’s important to keep in mind that free radicals also serve important functions that are essential for our survival. For example, the body’s immune cells use free radicals to kill bacteria that try to infect us. As with so many things in the body, we need a certain balance. we need the right amount of free radicals, and the right amount of antioxidants to keep them in check. When this balance gets disrupted, things can start to go wrong. When the free radicals outnumber the antioxidants, this can lead to a state which might cause many diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

 

Several factors and lifestyle habits to promote excessive free radical formation

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Air pollution

  • Cigarette smoke

  • Alcohol intake

  • Toxins

  • High blood sugar levels

  • Consuming large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids

  • Radiation, including excessive sunbathing

  • Infections by bacteria, fungi or viruses

  • Excessive intake of iron, magnesium, copper, or zinc

  • Too little oxygen in the body

  • Too much oxygen in the body

  • Intense and prolonged exercise, which causes tissue damage

  • Excessive intake of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and

  • Antioxidant deficiency

  Dietary Antioxidants

  • Vitamin C

  • Vitamin E

  • Flavonoids

  Food Antioxidants

  • Berries fruits and vegetables

  • Meat products and fish

  • Green tea

  • Coffee

  • Dark chocolate

Different Antioxidants Benefit Different Parts of the Body

 

There is a wide range of antioxidants found in nature, and different antioxidants provide benefits to different parts of the body. E.g., beta-carotene is very beneficial to eye health. Lycopene is beneficial for helping maintain prostate health. Flavonoids are especially beneficial for heart health and Astaxanthin followed by beta-carotene combined with vitamin E has been shown to be one of the most powerful antioxidant combinations for helping protect the skin from reactive species of oxygen. Apart from skin care, its beneficial in boosting immunity as well. However all these antioxidants should be taken under supervision only.

 

Antioxidant intake is essential for optimum health

 

Antioxidants are essential for the survival of all living things. The human body even generates its own antioxidants. Boosting your antioxidant intake can help provide added protection for the body against:

 

  • Heart problems

  • Eye problems

  • Memory problems

  • Mood disorders Skin Care

  • Immune system problems

 

 

Should You Take Antioxidant Supplements?

 

Dietary intake of antioxidants is essential for optimal health. However, more is not always better. Excessive intake of isolated antioxidants can have toxic effects and may even promote rather than prevent oxidative damage. Therefore, you should avoid high-dose antioxidant supplementation.

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