subject: What Are Antioxidants? [print this page] Against oxidants is the literal translation of antioxidants. Oxidants are basically the free radicals that are generated as a result of the biochemical processes that are executed in our body. Oxygen is essential for our life and growth; however, this same components leads to the creation of some of the most harmful by-products that leads to cell damage in our DNA's proteins and fat. These oxidants or free radicals can also get inside the body through external sources such as pesticides and other types of environmental pollutants. Our lifestyle determines the amount of oxidants in our body; therefore, high levels of emotional or physical stress, consumption of alcohol, smoking, and unhealthy diet can also lead to free radicals in our body.
The greater the presence of free radicals in our body, the more will be the cell damage. If it is left unchecked it can cause severe damage to the most important cell components, accelerating the bodys aging process. Our body begins to lose its resistance power to degeneration, when oxidation levels are left unchecked and this can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, eye disorders, etc. Further more, oxidation can compromise the body's immune system that can eventually lead to immunological disorders and substantially decrease the body's capability to heal wounds along with getting rid of infections.
However, we arent defenseless against oxidation. This is where antioxidants come to our help by binding all the free radicals in our body and preventing them from damaging our system. Through various biochemical processes, antioxidants convert these free radicals into benign substances, which can in fact contribute to cell repair processes. Antioxidants are produced, naturally, in our body. Two of the most important antioxidant substances produced by our body are Catalase and Glutathione. Catalase is responsible for breaking up hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water, thereby protecting our cells from damage. Glutathione, on the other hand, acts as a detoxifying agent which modifies the structure of toxic substances and protects our body from harmful effects of these substances.
Antioxidants can also be attained through dietary consumption. Antioxidants can be procured in different ways. First, several vitamins act as antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Second, minerals and other nutrients like selenium, zinc, co-enzyme Q10, and some amino acids have antioxidant properties. Cranberries are considered a rich source of antioxidants due to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenolsin. Besides these, organic plant extracts such as ginkgo biloba, milk thistle, and one of the latest additions recommended by Dr Oz, unroasted green coffee bean are some of the other rich sources of antioxidants.
To help eliminate the damaging free radicals, it is important that you include in your diet fresh fruits and vegetables, since they provide a huge supply of antioxidants to the body. You need to include a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, oranges, spinach, red peppers, and tomatoes, in your diet, as they are believed to be high in antioxidants.
You stand to gain better from antioxidants when they are taken in combination. For example, antioxidants in Vitamin E are better absorbed when there are other antioxidant substances included in your diet. The aforementioned food items and natural supplements such as green coffee bean extract are some very good sources of antioxidants.
