We often hear the word “antioxidants” in health forums, chats, and articles on how it can contribute positively to our body. What are its purpose and its importance to our health? This article will go deeper into the perspectives of the real meaning of these essential nutrients.
The word “anti” simply means against or in opposition to, while oxidants are free radicals that affect our body cells, causing it to wither and die. If we combine the two words, antioxidants simply mean a process in the body that inhibits cell oxidation.
Antioxidants are molecules that mainly destroys free radicals in the body. Once a chemical reaction occurs because of the oxidation of electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent, that will result in the development of free radicals. Both animals and plants go to the same process as in humans. Antioxidants prevent this from happening through the removal of free radical intermediates and other oxidation reactions or processes.
These chemical reactions occur through the help of oxygen, which are happening multi-million times in a human body. However, oxygen can also cause harmful results during these chemical reactions which form oxidant substances. These substances must be prevented to multiply in vast numbers because it can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases such as cancers.
There are many types of antioxidants such as polyphenols, glutathione, melatonin, vitamin E, ascorbic acid or vitamin C, thiols, and many others. It can be found in regular foods such as nuts, apples, broccoli, berries, and other fruits and vegetables.
How do we get these oxidants? Free radicals are substances that destroy or alter the body’s normal rhythm. Some known sources of free radicals are ionized radiations, unhealthy foods (fatty foods), alcoholic drinks, smoking, stress, any type of pollution and many more.
Conditions that are caused by free radicals:
- Speeds up aging
- Heart disease
- Liver disorders
- Kidney problems
- Various types of cancers
- Eye problems such as cataracts
- Arthritis
- Skin diseases
- Lung disorders
- Mental disorders
Once the free radicals cause a severe breakdown of healthy cells, which are composed of DNA, proteins, and fats, it causes a rapid aging process and even weakens immunological functions. The most common cause is cancer development and heart disease.
This is the reason why antioxidants are important ingredients to our body system. It can destroy these free radicals from invading our cells and stop further oxidation processes. A sufficient supply of antioxidant nutrients in the body can lower your risks of the said diseases.
You may acquire different types of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, but you can also depend on some natural antioxidant drug supplements. When we say natural, it should be from natural sources. Synthetic or chemical antioxidant drugs can cause side effects and are also proven to cause some diseases, according to the recent study. So better avoid these drugs and choose the herbal products instead.
Proper diet can ultimately give you your needed antioxidant daily requirements while avoiding junk and fatty foods will prevent oxidation from occurring. Don’t forget to apply regular exercise to achieve optimum health conditions. Love your body with a good supply of proper nutrients, vitamins, and adequate training.
