Oct 24, 2014 12:04 PM EDT
Antioxidants: How Powerful Antioxidants Benefit Me?

Antioxidants are chemicals that hinder the attack of other chemicals known as free radicals and are found in fruits, vegetables and other supplements.  Studies showed that eating plenty of these foods could even lower risk to certain diseases.

Antioxidants or free radical scavengers are crucial element to one's health. It fights free radicals by counteracting the damaging effects it brings to the body. However, when the free radicals outnumbered the free radical scavengers, the body will get weak and will be prone to illness and chronic diseases.

Free radicals scavengers are the body's armor against free radicals that causes imbalances and health problems.  Free radicals are also innate in the body that could harm the healthy cells up to the extent of developing to serious diseases like cancer.

In order to fight the imbalance, these elements must be acquired from external sources. Beta-carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, lutein, selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and proanthocyanidins are anti-oxidants that must be included in the diet.

Antioxidants are powerful defense against ultraviolet light. When one is exposed to the sun, free-radicals including superoxide radicals, singlet oxygen and peroxide radicals cause damage to the cellular lipids. If not for Astaxanthin, beta-carotene combined with vitamin E, one could have premature aging of the skin, erythema (sunburn), photodermatoses and even skin cancers.

These good elements are also important part of the immune system. Astaxanthin is stronger than other carotenoids and alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) that boost the immune system.

Antioxidants play vital role in attaining one's optimum health. Since the body can't produce enough of these, it is required that people get the phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and enzymes from one's daily diet. Consuming foods high in antioxidants can boost protection against: heart, eye, memory, immune and mood disorders.

 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST