These types of compounds have taken center stage in the latest food fads and for very good reason as this article will explain. Since these compounds are sharp and powerful they have specific role in maintaining the proper health and guarding against different diseases. But what are antioxidants and why do you need them in your body?
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are compounds capable of impeding free radical action or of preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Before going any further, you must learn about what free radicals are in the first place, for this is where antioxidants come into play.
Free radicals are highly reactive agents which have lost an electron and look forward to find an electron to restore an stable state. Regrettably, this reaction usually harms the cells in the process of staunching the bleeding. Eventually, this cell damage might initiate oxidative stress and other diseases including cancer, heart diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.
Antioxidants can prevent free radicals from reacting by being able to stabilize it. They achieve this by providing one electron to the free radicals without being themselves reduced to a free radical’s state. There are antioxidants which the body provides naturally; there are also others that are acquired from the foods that one consumes.
Some of the most common antioxidant compounds include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene
- Lycopene
- Lutein
- Anthocyanins
- Quercetin
- Resveratrol
Why You Need Antioxidants
Because free radicals are believed to cause diseases and premature aging, it is very important to consume enough antioxidants. Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons you need antioxidants:
Fight Inflammation
As much as inflammation is a normal process that helps the body to fight infections, acute and chronic inflammation is the cause of most diseases. Studied reveal that use of antioxidants serves as anti inflammatory agents.
Support Immunity
These molecules attack the immune cells thus coloring your immune system. Antioxidants help out in immune function by eliminating these threats.
Reduce Cancer Risk
Mutations which lead to cancer can also be caused by free radicals. Antioxidant compounds as we know reduce chances of cancer by shielding cells from damaged DNA.
Protect Heart Health
The effects of OS include effort on atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and cholesterol. This cardiovascular damage may be prevented by antioxidants.
Preserve Brain Function
Since the brain requires a lot of oxygen and since free radicals present a menace to the brain, antioxidants can help to promote improved cognitive function and decreased dementia rates.
Slow Skin Aging
This is because the effects of the sun light, effluence, UV rays, air borne products and other related products bring about skin aging. Antioxidants must be applied externally and ingested in equal measure because they defend our skin against wrinkles and sunburns.
The most important of these is that your body requires a daily intake of antioxidants from food or supplements due to persistent oxidative stress. Antioxidants consumed in their natural packages that are foods with antioxidant properties are the best way to counter freed radicles and take benefits of antioxidants that add years to human life and improves health.