What Are Antioxidants? What You Need To Know About These Nutrients

Antioxidants are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants can often be identified by their vibrant colors such as the yellow of saffron, mangos and corn, the purple blue of grapes, blackberries and blueberries. Foods that contain antioxidants typically have lycopene, selenium, beta-carotene and the vitamins E, C and A. It is thought that a diet rich in antioxidants can delay many diseases that often come upon us as we age.

Free Radicals and Their Effect on Your Health

When electrons are lost or the process of oxidation occurs, substances such as free radicals are produced. These free radicals are reactive and they can cause cell damage or stress to the cells. Antioxidants are said to stabilize those roaming free radicals before they react and do any harm. Oxidation is a natural process of the body so antioxidants are needed in order to sustain good health.

As we age, the body is less effective in producing defenses that can combat oxidative stress. Diseases such as cataracts, dysfunction of the immune system, Alzheimer’s, disease to the cardiovascular system and cancer are thought to be the result of free radicals. Chronic conditions can also allow the formation of free radicals and ill health is the result.

Why Consuming Antioxidants is So Important

It is thought that a diet rich in antioxidants whether from food or dietary supplements can protect one’s body from the damage of free radicals. They are said to have a positive affect on one’s health in a myriad of ways. Foods such as teas, blueberries, cocoa and grapes can aid in fighting against cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. It is even thought that antioxidants can reduce the risk of certain cancers.

The more research that is being done, the more the medical community is discovering the link between diet and the development of disease. Though this research is fairly new, its aim is to give us a clearer understanding of how nutrients commonly found in our diets like antioxidants can influence health with the interaction of genes and nutrients.

The Controversy Rages On

There is still much debate on whether certain antioxidant supplements are actually good for your health. Evidence points to smokers having an increased risk of developing lung cancer when they use a beta carotene supplement. The same risk has not arisen in non-smokers so the debate continues if those that are nicotine free should take a daily beta carotene supplement.

The medical community urges every individual to enhance their diet with a daily multivitamin that contains necessary minerals as well. If you don’t eat as well as you should, it is even more important that you add supplements to your diet. The best advice is to eat a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat those that have distinctive color such as broccoli, tomatoes, cherries and berries to name a few. Not only are they important, but complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and a diet with lean proteins will keep you healthy long into your old age.

By: AJ Adams

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