The Benefits of Antioxidants – To Prevent Chronic Diseases and Support Anti-Aging

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are natural substances found primarily in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and spices that help prevent or reduce oxidation that occurs at the cellular level. They do this by eliminating “free radicals,” which, if left alone, could oxidize cells, leading to inflammation and chronic diseases such as diabetes, joint disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, dementia, and degenerative eye diseases. These harmful chemicals also speed up the aging process.

What are the free radicals?

Free radicals are atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron in the outer shell of an atom. Being chemically unstable, they are highly reactive and can cause damage to cells in the body. Some researchers believe that aging occurs because cells accumulate free radical damage over time.

The main factors that contribute to excess free radicals in the body are eating the wrong foods, stress, pollutants, smoking, overexposure to ultraviolet light, and harmful bacteria.

The intake of certain prescription drugs and chemotherapy are also related to the formation of free radicals in the body.

Foods high in free radicals include oil and fats (when heated to high temperatures, such as when frying), overcooked meats, and processed meats.

Eating too many sugary foods that cause blood sugar to rise could also lead to an increase in this harmful chemical in the body.

How do antioxidants prevent chronic disease and aging?

Antioxidants prevent aging by neutralizing and eliminating free radicals in the body responsible for causing damage to body tissues. By doing so, they help prevent or slow down the impact of chronic diseases and also the aging process.

Are all antioxidants the same?

Although the chemical role of antioxidants in the body is quite similar, some antioxidants are known to provide additional benefits to specific parts of the body. For example: flavonoids protect the heart; beta-carotene protects the eyes; lycopene benefits the prostate; and proanthocyanidin contribute to urinary tract health

It is also well established that some antioxidants are more powerful in their actions than others. For example, dietary astaxanthin is said to be 500 times more potent than vitamin E.

sources of antioxidants

Food sources of antioxidants are as follows:

a) Vegetables – carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, kale, antichoke, sweet potatoes, beets, and cilantro

b) Fruit – blue berries, grapes, cranberries, elderberries, black berries, apples, watermelon, goji berries, and citrus

c) Nuts and Seeds – pecans, walnuts, peanuts, beans, and flaxseed

d) Drinks – red wine, green tea, cocoa

e) Spices – clove, turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, basil and ginger

The foods listed above are not exhaustive, but they indicate the most popular ones that are rich in antioxidants.

supplements

Vitamins A, C, and E are among the best-known antioxidants, while the trace elements selenium, zinc, and copper are known to support the body’s antioxidant system.

Other antioxidants that are popular for their health benefits include:

a) curcumin– protection against cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and arthritis

b) CoQ10 – helps people with heart problems, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension and chronic fatigue syndrome.

against) glutathione – helps the body to produce enzymes, detoxification, digestion of fats and destruction of cancer cells.

d) Lutein and Zeaxanthin – prevents cataracts and macula degeneration

me) quecetin– supports the heart, fights chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis

F) astaxanthin– reduces the chronic effect of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure

Are the supplements necessary?

Getting your antioxidants from natural sources is best because of the complex mix of phytonutrients you can get from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices that you might not get from supplements. However, if getting these healthy nutrients from natural sources is a problem or if specific antioxidants are needed to control certain health problems, supplements can still be very helpful.

Conclution

I hope this article has given you a good overview of antioxidants and the role they play in preventing and curing chronic diseases.