Amazing Antioxidants 2022
The prefix ‘anti’ indicates “against,” “opposed to,” or “corrective.” The ‘anti’ in antioxidants refers to the impact these compounds have on oxidants.
Oxidants, often known as “free radicals,” are a natural byproduct of the body’s millions of metabolic reactions that occur every minute. The same oxygen that gives life to the body releases these toxic byproducts that cause cell damage, most often to DNA, lipids, and proteins.
Free radicals enter the body from external effects such as sun exposure, pesticides, and other types of pollution. Furthermore, emotional and physical stress, alcoholic drinks, bad diets, and cigarette smoke raise their levels.
Inside the body, oxidation promotes cell disintegration in the same manner that rust causes corrosion on autos. Allowing the quantity of free radical oxidation in the body to reach an unsafe level may cause substantial damage to cellular components and hasten the aging process.
More significantly, it may lead to various degenerative conditions and limit the body’s capacity to cope with other issues, such as cardiovascular disease, eye disease, and cancer.
Furthermore, it may result in a weakened immune system, leading to immunological diseases and a reduction in the body’s capacity to heal wounds and fight infections. Some research suggests probable ties to arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Antioxidants counteract these effects by interacting with free radicals before they may cause harm. They subsequently transform them into non-harmful biological molecules, greatly aiding in repairing cellular damage.
Within the body, antioxidant enzymes are created. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione are the most well-known of these:
Catalase is an enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Antioxidants are broken down into hydrogen peroxide by superoxide dismutase.
Glutathione acts as a detoxifying agent, transforming toxins so that the body may readily remove them.
Other antioxidants may be obtained through food. Some of the most well-known antioxidant vitamins include beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Minerals include selenium, zinc, glutathione, coenzyme Q10, and flavonoids like cranberries, certain amino acids, and organic extracts from milk thistle and the tree ginkgo Biloba may have antioxidant qualities.
A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables offers a plentiful supply of these antioxidants, which aid in eliminating harmful free radicals. Fruits and leafy green vegetables with carrots, orange and red peppers, spinach, and tomatoes with the most significant concentrations.
Cooking destroys certain antioxidants and interferes with the body’s capacity to absorb them, so eating fresh vegetables, fruit, and sprouts may assist. It’s also a good idea to steam veggies instead of frying, microwaving, or boiling them.
