Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow cell damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced by the body in response to environmental and other stresses.
They're also known as "free-radical scavengers."Antioxidants are available in both natural and synthetic forms. Antioxidants are thought to be abundant in certain plant-based foods. Plant-based antioxidants are a type of phytonutrient or nutrient that comes from plants.
Endogenous antioxidants are the antioxidants that the body produces. Exogenous antioxidants are the antioxidants that come from outside the body.
Free radicals are waste products produced by cells as the body digests food and reacts to its surroundings. Oxidative stress occurs when the body's ability to process and remove free radicals is impaired.
Cells and body functions may be harmed as a result of this. Free radicals are also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) (ROS). Internal factors, such as inflammation, or external factors, such as pollution, UV exposure, and cigarette smoke, can all increase the production of free radicals in the body.
Heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, respiratory diseases, immune deficiency, emphysema, Parkinson's disease, and other inflammatory or ischemic conditions have all been linked to oxidative stress.
Antioxidants are thought to help our bodies neutralize free radicals, which are thought to improve overall health.
Benefits Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are present in a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants can protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which cause oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can be caused by a variety of activities and processes.
The source you can trust:
- Ischemia and reperfusion damage
- Mitochondrial activity
- Excessive exercise
- Tissue trauma due to inflammation and injury
- Trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and certain dyes and additives are all found in refined and processed foods.
- Smoking
- Pollution in the environment
- Radiation
- Chemical exposure (pesticides and drugs, including chemotherapy)
- Industrial solvents
- Ozone
Types Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are thought to be found in hundreds, if not thousands, of different substances. Each has a specific function and can interact with others to help the body function properly.
The term "antioxidant" does not refer to a specific substance, but rather to the effects that a variety of substances can have.
- Vitamin A,
- vitamin C,
- vitamin E,
- beta-carotene,
- lycopene,
- lutein,
- selenium,
- manganese, and
- zeaxanthin is an example of antioxidants that come from outside the body.
Antioxidant Sources
Antioxidants are abundant in plant foods. They're abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods like nuts, whole grains, and some meats, poultry, and fish.
- Milk, butter, eggs, and liver all contain vitamin A.
- Most fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. Berries, oranges, kiwis, cantaloupes, and papayas are all good choices.
- Vitamin E is found in nuts and seeds, as well as broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and peanuts, for example. It's found in spinach and kale, among other green leafy vegetables. It's also in soybean, sunflower, corn, and canola oil.
- Beta-carotene can be found in a variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Fruits like peaches, apricots, papayas, mangoes, and cantaloupes are good to eat. Carrots, peas, broccoli, squash, and sweet potatoes are all good vegetables to eat. It's also found in beet greens, spinach, and kale, among other leafy greens.
- Pink and red fruits and vegetables contain lycopene. Pink grapefruits, watermelon, apricots, and tomatoes are examples of this.
- Lutein is found in spinach, collards, and kale, among other green leafy vegetables. Broccoli, corn, peas, papayas, and oranges all contain it.
- Selenium can be found in a variety of foods, including pasta, bread, and grains such as corn, wheat, and rice. It's found in beef, fish, turkey, and chicken, among other animal products. Nuts, legumes, eggs, and cheese also contain it.
So that's all there is to know about antioxidants. For a healthy lifestyle, everyone should consume antioxidant-rich foods.
To avoid complications, most people with chronic diseases should include antioxidant-rich foods in their diet.