How Do Antioxidants Help The Body?

Antioxidants neutralize oxidative stress caused by free radicals and help us fight disease, as well as prevent the early appearance of wrinkles.

The  antioxidants provide a number of health benefits and have been touted as a possible prevention of diseases, ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.

Research suggests that they may, in fact, be effective in preventing a large number of age-related diseases. How do they help our body?

What are antioxidants and where can I find them?

Antioxidants are present in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as red tomatoes, purple blueberries, yellow corn, and orange carrots, are rich in antioxidants.

Some of the vitamins, minerals, and compounds in foods have antioxidant properties. Vitamins A, C and E are among the best known, as are beta-carotene, lycopene and selenium. Some foods that contain large amounts of them are:

• Green leafy vegetables like kale, collards, and spinach.

• Berries, cherries and grapes.
• Green Tea.
• Citrus fruits.
• Apples and pears.
• Carrots

How do antioxidants fight oxidative stress and free radicals?

As we age, body tissues suffer from oxidative stress, produced by the increase in free radicals (electrically charged oxygen molecules).

These electrically charged oxygen molecules are known as free radicals and have the potential to cause damage to cellular DNA. Over time, the damage can be irreversible and lead to disease.

Oxidation is a natural process and a diet rich in antioxidants is necessary to maintain low levels of free radicals in our body and to remain in good health.

With age, the body’s natural defenses against oxidation become less effective. That is why researchers believe that a high level of antioxidants in the diet can prevent many age-related diseases.

Some of the factors that can increase the production of free radicals are:

• To smoke.
• To drink.
• Sunbathe.
• Pollution.
• Infections
• Exposure to toxic substances.
• Radiation.

Health benefits of antioxidants

Antioxidants benefit our health by cleaning free radicals from our bloodstream. Some studies have shown that they can reduce the signs of aging, minimizing wrinkles and preserving the texture of the skin.

Although antioxidants are not proven to treat any condition, research has shown that  they have also been effective in preventing some age-related degenerative diseases :

• Cancer.
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cognitive impairment.
• Immune dysfunction.
• The falls.
• Muscle degeneration
• Alzheimer’s.

However, it must be taken into account that each person reacts differently and antioxidants are not always effective.

Different antioxidants benefit different parts of the body:

• Beta carotene – Found in carrots, it can help maintain eye health.
• Lycopene: present in tomatoes, it contributes to prostate health.
• Flavonoids: found in tea, cocoa, and chocolate are good for the heart.
• Proanthocyanidins: found in blueberries and apples, they can help maintain the urinary tract.

In order to ensure that you get enough antioxidants in your daily diet, it is recommended to eat a varied diet, with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day and between six to eleven servings of grains, including at least three servings. of whole grains.

In general, doctors recommend a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. There are many products that can help increase your intake of natural antioxidants. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants can help us reduce the effects of age and the risk of contracting certain diseases.

However, antioxidants alone will not be enough in many cases. In the event of any problem, it will be necessary to see a doctor to assess the case and the measures to take.