The Power Of Antioxidants

26 November, 2009 One Comment

Antioxidants are substances that help fight the hazardous effects of free radicals or scavengers on the body. These free radicals invade our body in many forms and include cigarette smoke, toxins, environmental pollution, radiation, herbicides etc. Antioxidants combat and neutralize these free radicals and prevent them from causing damage to the cells within our body.

In the absence of antioxidants, these free radicals can destroy the proteins, lipids and DNA and result in disease, premature ageing and poor health. Thus, it becomes important for us to include loads of antioxidants in our diet on a daily basis in order to remain young and healthy.

Antioxidants and their power:
Since the primary function of antioxidants is to prevent the process of oxidation which results in the formation of free radicals thereby, effectively combating the health deteriorating process, they are also called anti-ageing substances.

Both, synthetic antioxidants as well as naturally occurring antioxidants are popular among individuals looking to maintain their health and youth.

Popular Antioxidants:
Vitamin A: This antioxidant prevents night blindness, helps maintain the epithelial cells and is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It boosts the body’s immunity and has an anti-carcinogenic action.

It is vital for healthy skin and plays a key role in the normal growth and repair of body tissues. It is found in carrots, vegetable soup, green leafy vegetables, oranges, tomatoes, papaya, cereals, beef, milk, egg, cheese, liver etc.

Vitamin C: This is also known as ascorbic acid and is water soluble in nature. This antioxidant is vital to health and helps increase the body’s immunity, thereby offering protection from cold and allergy.

It helps in maintaining the health of collagen that is critical for healthy bones, skin and tendons, plays an important role in the formation of proteins, DNA, RNA, hormones and neurotransmitters and helps stimulate vitamin E.

Various studies also reveal that vitamin C aids in the process of healing of wounds, surgical scars and burns. It also helps decrease the risk of clotting and reduces LDL cholesterol, thereby safeguarding the body against cardiovascular disease.

It is also loaded with anti-carcinogens and increases life span. It is found in citrus fruits, papaya, oranges, green peppers, tomatoes, raspberries, Brussels’s sprouts, green leafy vegetables, potatoes etc.

Vitamin E: This is perhaps the most important antioxidant that has created a sizzle in the skincare industry. Vitamin E is the most abundant fat soluble antioxidant and is mostly derived from vegetable oils.

It decreases the level of LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body and protects the body against cardiovascular disease. It helps heal sunburn and safeguards the skin against the damaging effect of ultraviolet rays of the sun.

It is found in vegetable oils of corn, olive, canola, soybean and sunflower. Other sources include wheat germ, fish, green leafy vegetables, peanut butter, whole grains, carrots, avocado, spinach, beef and seafood.

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