What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are vital to good health, but fortunately there are many sources of antioxidants that are widely available
. Better still, most of these sources, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, are good for us in other ways too. But what exactly is an antioxidant?Our bodies need oxygen to survive. We breathe in air containing oxygen, and breathe out air that has had much of the oxygen replaced by carbon dioxide. Oxygen allows our bodies to release the energy from our foods, and to carry out all the other processes that keep us alive. Without it we would die within minutes since without oxygen our hearts and brains quickly stop working. So we do need oxygen, but the problem is that it is actually toxic! There have been cases of premature babies accidentally given pure oxygen for too long, for example, and the babies lose their sight. Scuba divers breathing air too rich in oxygen are in danger of damage to their central nervous systems, lungs, and eyes. Oxygen is also very powerful which you will recognize if you have ever seen an iron bar rusted away by exposure to the oxygen in air.When we take a lungful of air, the oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and is taken to the cells where it is needed. When the cells take the oxygen from the blood they use it in a process called oxidation. But oxidation produces substances called oxidants, which are also known as free radicals, and these are harmful to the cells. Oxidants can also be produced by smoking, stress, exposure to pollution, pesticides, X-rays or radiation, unhealthy foods, overly-strenuous exercise, sunburn, and too much alcohol. It is impossible to avoid oxidants because they are produced in the body and taken in from outside, and over time they do produce cell damage, and this is essentially the cause of the ageing processes.Oxidants, or free radicals, are unstable atoms or molecules, and they try to become stable by attacking other molecules, which in turn become oxidants themselves. A chain reaction is produced, in which the oxidants damage the cells, especially DNA, proteins and fats within the cells, and they can destroy cells entirely. Oxidants are believed to be involved in many diseases and medical conditions, such as cancers, cataracts, heart disease, diabetes, macular degeneration, arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and many more, along with many of the processes of degeneration that occur in our bodies as we age. They are also at work when oils turn rancid, and when peeled apples turn brown.The term "antioxidants" literally means "against oxidants". Antioxidants seek out the free radicals produced in the cells and stabilize them before they have a chance to cause damage. They are also believed to enhance the immune system and help our bodies fight off disease and damage. Antioxidants come in the form of vitamins, especially A, C and E, beta-carotene, other nutrients, and enzymes. An antioxidant can only stabilize one oxidant, and after that it is inactive. This is why we need a constant, daily supply of fresh antioxidants.The main sources of antioxidants are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when eaten raw or lightly cooked. Brightly colored vegetables and fruits such as carrots, peaches and tomatoes are all good sources of antioxidants in the form of vitamin A and beta-carotene (abundant in orange fruits and vegetables). Vitamin A is also found in large quantities in liver, milk, sweet potatoes and some cheeses. Vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C, such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries and tomatoes are also great sources of antioxidants. Vitamin E is also an excellent antioxidant, and is found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, soy beans, and green leafy vegetables. Because vitamin E is fat soluble, it has a special role in protecting the cell walls and low density lipoproteins ("bad" cholesterol) from oxidizing.Another good source of antioxidants are several enzymes containing selenium. Selenium is found in rice, wheat, Brazil nuts, meats, shellfish, eggs, chicken, and garlic. Manganese and zinc are also found in antioxidant enzymes. There are many other sources of antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10, plant chemicals called phytochemicals, and uric acid.It is always best to get antioxidants from a good diet rich in a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, rather than relying on supplements. Generally, look for fresh produce, with special emphasis on brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Other good sources include beans, barley, oatmeal, grains, red wine, soy, tea, pomegranates, and many culinary and medicinal herbs. If it is not possible to get enough antioxidants through diet, supplements are widely available, but mega-doses of some antioxidants have been shown to be harmful. You can, it seems, have too much of a good thing.
What Are Antioxidants?
By: Koncay Sazan
Infrared Lamp BTD 6L Infrared Heater (BTD-3L) What should I post my items for in wow? Premature Ejeculation-For A Long Term Cure That WORKS Try The Ejaculation Trainer What Is The Ejaculation Trainer? What to Do When You Find Out You Are a Fraud Victim? UFC 109 Free Prediction Randy Couture vs Mark Coleman Red rings of death What is Elastin and How is it Involved in Skin Laxity? What Are the Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Methods to Prevent Laxity? I Feel SO Lonely What Do I Do What Qualities Do You Need to Be a Good Formula One Driver? I'm Lonely What Can I Do