Benefi ts of antioxidants

Antioxidants are vitamins which occur
naturally and may prevent some types of cell
damage due to free radical formation. They
can slowdown the ageing process to some
degree and are found in many foods,
including fruits and vegetables. They are also
available as dietary supplements.
Although our bodies make some of their own
antioxidants, there is not enough to naturally
protect it against these free radicals since
there are always free radicals entering the
body either during exercise, when the body
breaks down food or when the body is
exposed to tobacco smoke, air pollution or
radiation.
Researchers have also studied antioxidants in
laboratory experiments. These experiments
showed that antioxidants interacted with free
radicals and stabilized them, thus preventing
the free radicals from causing cell damage.
Antioxidants are found in many foods but
plantbased foods such as fruits and
vegetables are the best sources. Examples
are vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, zinc,
carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene,
lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid has
proven antiviral and anti-bacterial function
which has stood the test of time according to
many studies. It has helped to boost the
immune system, reduce cancer rates, protect
cell against tobacco smoke, enhances wound
repair and even increased life expectancy
rate. It is found in citrus fruits, leafy green
vegetables, green peppers, tomatoes,
strawberries, broccoli and potatoes.
Vitamin E helps protect the functioning of
cells and intracellular processes. It helps
oxygenate the tissue. It is essential for
normal reproductive functions, fertility and
physical vigour. It is essential for preventing
free radical damage to the cell membranes. It
helps prevent asthma, arthritis, heart disease
and even premature ageing. Examples of
natural sources of vitamin E are: seeds and
nuts (walnut, peanut, etc), wheat germ, olive
or sunflower oils, leafy green vegetables and
liver.
Vitamin A- carotenoids and beta-carotene
stimulates the immune processes including
induction of cell- mediated immunity against
tumors. They also act as natural-killers or
antibodies against disease organisms that
would want to attack the body. Studies have
also shown that consumption of oral beta-
carotene is useful for boosting antitumor
immunity against cancer patients. Natural
sources are: green/yellow/ orange vegetables
like carrots, squash, cantaloupe, papaya,
mango, sweet potatoes, green leafy
vegetables and pumpkin.
Selenium acts with vitamin E as a non
specific antioxidant to protect cell
membranes and tissues. They help slow down
ageing process and hardening of tissues.
Good sources are: wholegrain cereals like
barley, whole wheat bread, red meat, seafood,
chicken, eggs and garlic.
Zinc inhibits virus growths in the body; it
reduces average duration of colds for seven
days and also inhibits replication of the cold
virus. It is a critical nutrient for the immune
system. Natural sources are: cereals, nuts
and oilseeds.
It is vital to regularly consume maximum
amounts of plant-based sources of foods such
as spices, green tea, fruits, vegetables, beans,
whole grains and even an occasional glass of
red wine would help increase the amount of
antioxidants that would help fight all the free
radicals in the body.

Posted By David Aniemeka