Antioxidants: Good Thing They're On Your Side

Millions of processes are occurring at all times inside our human body, and these processes require oxygen. Unfortunately, that same life-giving oxygen can create harmful side effects, or oxidant substances, which cause cell damage and lead to chronic disease. Such harmful oxidants are more commonly known as "free radicals". Free radicals kill some cells and destroy the protective outer membranes of others. If a free radical gains access to the cell's interior, it can damage its genetic code (DNA) that controls cell reproduction. If the DNA is altered, the cell either cannot reproduce itself, or an abnormal cell is formed. Thankfully, we have antioxidants, which are a group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that protect the body from the formations of free radicals by neutralizing them before they can travel freely through the body wreaking havoc. Antioxidants are produced by most plant foods, which use them as part of their defense mechanism. Having a diet rich in vegetables and other plant foods gives us more chances of acquiring a variety of antioxidants. The following are some of the vitamins that have strong antioxidant properties:

Vitamin A promotes germ killing enzymes and is necessary to healthy mucous cells. Beta-carotene and vitamin A destroy carcinogens.

Vitamin C is a potent stimulator of T-effector cell activity. It reduces lipid production in the brain and spinal cord, which often incur free radical damage. In the presence of hesperidin, a bioflavonoid, it acts as a more potent free radical scavenger.

Vitamin E protects the coating around each cell and prevents fat and cell membrane rancidity. Zinc is needed to maintain normal blood concentrations of vitamin E.

Generally, natural foods are believed to be better sources of antioxidants than processed tablets and capsules. While the body metabolizes artificial vitamins and minerals in the same way as natural nutrients in foods, the natural nutrients contain numerous essential substances that are not found in pills.

By: Natural Health Philippines

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