Anti-oxidant Vitamins

Antioxidant vitamins have fired quite a number of debates in the medical world. They prevent the free radicals from damaging cells and thus they fight old age and chronic disease. Vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) are the main antioxidant vitamins. It has become common practice to take some antioxidant supplement to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and stay young.

Medical precautions!

Research has not so far provided conclusive data about whether antioxidant vitamins are really working for the treatment of heart disease. Specialists' recommendation is for people to eat a balanced diet with food from all the basic food groups. The amounts of antioxidant vitamins taken from food should be enough to maintain good health. Fruits, whole grains and nuts are better alternatives than supplements!

Other natural antioxidants!

Besides vitamin A, E and C, the body uses other substances and chemicals to fight the formation of the free radicals. It is good to know that free radicals appear not only as by-products of cellular activity but are also released because of sun exposure and pollution. Zinc, selenium, grape seed extract, gingko biloba and green tea have a powerful antioxidant action. Some of these are available in the form of herbal supplements, while the others can be taken directly from food. Have several fruit servings per day and drink one or two cups of green tea.

Antioxidant vitamins and physical exercises!

Very intense physical activity after long rest periods do more harm than good because they accelerate the release of free radicals and their damage rate. Do regular physical activity and use antioxidant vitamins to keep free radicals under control. Regular exercises boost up the body's defenses ensuring protection against free radicals. Nevertheless scientists can hardly give an answer to whether a supplementation of antioxidant vitamins will better help an athlete deal with cellular oxidation.

Whether to take antioxidant vitamins or not!

More and more medical experts recommend a balanced diet instead of supplements. A decade ago antioxidant vitamins were considered harmless, but their health effect is no longer believed to be that positive. At present, there is growing awareness on the potential toxicity of antioxidant supplements and their interactions. Live a healthy balanced life and try not to over-supplement because that could be detrimental on the long run. Our bodies are too finely tuned, and the defense mechanisms should work automatically as long as we provide the right nutrients!

By: Amy Harrop

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