Antioxidant Facts
Antioxidants are an essential part of any healthy and balanced diet and are mainly responsible for neutralizing and disarming free radicals, which can damage otherwise healthy cells in the body.
Antioxidants also help diffuse damage by other molecular fragments within the body.
The most common antioxidants include nutrients such as selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and coenzyme Q10. The body can produce its own antioxidants; however, over time this production is reduced and food becomes the main source. These powerful compounds are found in a wide variety of foods including fruits and vegetables and some meats and fish. It is important to note that plant matter is the best source for antioxidants. Many good sources for antioxidants are foods known as superfoods, which are chock full of antioxidants and nutrients.
Orange, dark yellow, and dark green fruits and vegetables are an excellent source for beta-carotene. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, watermelon, green peppers, kiwi, broccoli, and cauliflower. Vitamin E can be obtained by eating sunflower seeds, almonds, crab, shrimp, fish, mayonnaise, and margarine. Selenium is found in most meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and many types of nuts.
When many nutritionist and health professionals discuss antioxidants, these three are often left off the list, but are a powerhouse of antioxidant properties when in the body. Alpha lipoic acid naturally occurs in the body and is also found in small amounts in some types of food. It is particularly important as it can cross the blood-brain barrier and fight free radicals throughout the nervous system. Resveratrol is another powerhouse, commonly found in red wine (from the grape skins) that is said to benefit the cardiovascular system in ways other antioxidants cannot. Some suggest that it can actually prevent heart disease. Vitamin B12 is responsible for healthy red blood cells, cognition, and the production of DNA. Though it is found in most meat-products, it can also be found in dairy.
What are Free Radicals?
It is important to understand the antioxidant facts about how they actually work. On a very basic level, antioxidants fight free radicals. Free radicals are a byproduct of normal cell function, but can become toxic to the cells of the body if not eradicated immediately. Free radicals are unstable molecules (they are missing electrons) that can wreak havoc in the body by stealing electrons from stable molecules of the cells. Cancer, cataracts, heart disease, diabetes, and aging are all results of free radical damage.
Free radicals throughout the body damage cells through oxidation. During the oxidation process, fatty acids undergo a chemical change, some of which can be harmful to the body. Antioxidants are responsible for slowing down that process. Also, as we age, free radicals also have a negative effect on our memories and cognitive skills. Antioxidants help to combat that as well. I hope you’ll use these antioxidant facts and consume more foods rich in antioxidants (and superfoods) so that you can lead a healthier, longer, and happier life.