Antioxidants are important nutrients that protect the body from free radicals, the by-products of the some oxidative processes occurring in the body. These free radicals are naturally produced in the body, but the production of these cell damaging substances are increased by several factors like smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, air pollution, stress, anxiety, infection, too much sunlight, and toxins like radiation and asbestos. Too much free radicals in the body result in diseases like atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some scientists are even suggesting that free radicals are the reason why human beings develop the signs of aging. In the real sense, with this free-radical fighting mechanism, antioxidants nourish the cells and tissues, prevent chronic illnesses, and promote total well being. Antioxidants are available in the diet commonly in foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Antioxidant supplements are also great sources while some antioxidants are contained in the enzymes which are naturally produced by the body.
Common Antioxidants
- Vitamin A and the carotenoids, C, and E
- Selenium
- Flavonoids or polyphenols
- Lutein
- Lycopene
- Lignan
- Glutathione
- Coenzyme Q10
- Superoxide dismutase
- Catalase
- Melatonin
Best Antioxidants Sources
- Berries – Strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
- Beans – Kidney beans, small red beans, and black beans
- Fruits – Citrus fruits, pears, pineapple, avocado, cherries, kiwifruit, tomatoes
- Vegetables – Carrots, potatoes, broccoli, spinach
- Beverages – Coffee, fruit juices, green tea, red wine
- Nuts – Almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts
- Oats
- Dark Chocolate
- Herbs – Cinnamon, ginger, oregano, ground cloves
- Antioxidant supplements
Antioxidants Benefits
- Prevention of Diseases
Antioxidants prevents diseases especially infections by enhancing the immune system. Immune cells produce free-radicals and in cases where the normal levels of free radicals are increased, these free-radicals can damage the immune cells. If the body is rich in antioxidants, they will act as scavengers to these free radicals that can cause negative effects to the immune system. With this immune system-boosting function of antioxidants, it protects the body from common colds, flu, and other infectious diseases. According to several studies, the basic cause of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and other heart diseases is oxidized lipoproteins. Vitamin antioxidant like Vitamin E is very potent in preventing oxidization of these lipoproteins and thus, prevents cardiovascular problems. As a result of these studies, there had been notable increase in the number of physicians who themselves are taking antioxidant supplements to protect them from heart problems. Neurons or brain cells are very vulnerable to damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Death of brain cells can cause problems like memory gap, impaired cognitive function, and other chronic neurological diseases. In fact, drugs with antioxidant contents are now being used to treat several brain injuries and problems.
- Slows the Aging Process
Anti-oxidants nourish the cells and tissues by protecting them form free radicals. Healthy cells and tissues give you a more vibrant and youthful glow. In the skin, healthy skin cells prevent the appearance of wrinkles and other unwanted signs of aging that can be seen in the skin. Glutathione and its derivatives are very good examples of antioxidants that promotes skin health.
Because of the free-radical scavenger antioxidant activity, antioxidants are rigorously being studied for its other important health benefits. Also, the effects of antioxidants in treating and preventing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are getting stronger and are being promoted by many health institutions.
