Antioxidant: An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells. Antioxidants – thiols or ascorbic acid terminate these chain reactions. The term “antioxidant” is used for industrial chemicals which are integrated into products to avert oxidation and natural chemicals found in foods and body tissue which are propitious health effects.
For the balance of the oxidative state, plants and animals maintain complex systems of overlapping antioxidants, such as glutathione and enzymes engendered internally or dietary antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A.Antioxidant dietary supplements do not improve health nor are they efficacious in preventing diseases. Randomized clinical tribulations including supplements of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E singly or in different amalgamations found no effect on mortality rate and cancer risk, or may even increase cancer peril. Supplementation of selenium or vitamin E does not reduce the jeopardy of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress may consider as a cause of some diseases, an area of research stimulating drug development for antioxidant compounds for utilizing as potential therapies.
Industrial antioxidants have diverse uses, such as victuals(food) and cosmetics preservatives and inhibitors of rubber or gasoline deterioration.
Benefits of Antioxidants
Antioxidants come up frequently in improving good health and prevent diseases. These potent substances, which mostly emanate from the fresh fruits and vegetables we eat and the oxidation of other molecules in the body. The benefits of antioxidants are very paramount to good health because if free radicals are left, they can cause chronic diseases and the wide range of illnesses.
Antioxidants Benefit
There is a wide range of antioxidants found in nature, different antioxidants provide different benefits of the body. For example, beta-carotene is very salutary to ocular perceived(eye) health; lycopene is propitious for availing maintain prostate health; flavonoids especially for heart health; and proanthocyanidins for urinary tract health.
Antioxidants and Skin Health Benefits:
When skin is exposed to high calibers of ultraviolet light, photo-oxidative damage induced by the formation of variants of reactive species of oxygen, superoxide radicals, including singlet oxygen, and peroxide radicals. These reactive oxygen damages cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA, and they are considered to primary contributors to erythema (sunburn), photodermatoses, aging of the skin, and skin cancers.
Beta-carotene combined with vitamin E has been shown to be one of the most potent antioxidant coalescences for availing protect skin from reactive species of oxygen.
Antioxidants and Immune System Support:
Singlet oxygen may improve the immune system because it has the ability to catalyze engendering of free radicals. Astaxanthin and Spirulina have been shown to enhance both the non-concrete and categorical immune system and protect cell membranes and cellular DNA from mutation. Astaxanthin a single most potent of singlet oxygen and is up to ten times more vigorous than other carotenoids (including beta-carotene), and up to 500 times more vigorous than alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E), while Spirulina has a variety of antioxidants and other substances that are salutary in boosting immunity.
Additional Ways to Antioxidants Avail Benefit One’s Health
Increasing antioxidant intake is essential for good health, especially in today’s polluted world. Because body just can’t keep up with antioxidant engendering, a substantial amount of these vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and enzymes come from one’s daily diet. Boosting your antioxidant intake can avail provide integrated protection for the body against:
- Eye problem
- Heart problem
- Mood disorders
- Memory problem
- Immune system quandaries
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Plums
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Mangoes
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Beets