How Antioxidants Benefit You?

Antioxidants protect from dangerous substances called free radicals that can lead to many chronic diseases. Science touts antioxidants have many benefits from preventing cancer and heart disease to boosting the immune system and slowing the aging process.

Antioxidants offer a number of health benefits, and they have been touted as a possible preventative of diseases, ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's. Research suggests that antioxidants can indeed be effective in preventing a number of age-related diseases.

Antioxidants are present in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. Fruits and veggies that have bright, distinctive colors, such as red tomatoes, purple blueberries, yellow corn and orange carrots, are rich in antioxidants.

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

CarrotsGreen leafy vegetables like kale, collards and spinachBerries, cherries and grapesGreen teaCitrus fruitsApples and pears

Antioxidants benefit your health by cleaning free radicals out of your bloodstream. They have a range of health benefits; some studies have shown that antioxidants reduce the signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles and preserving the texture of the skin.

They can even protect your skin from sun damage, and reduce the incidence of sunburn.

Although antioxidants aren't proven to treat any conditions, research has shown that antioxidants have also been implicated in the prevention of a number of degenerative, age-related disease, including:

CancerCardiovascular diseaseCognitive impairmentImmune dysfunctionCataractsMacular degenerationAlzheimer's

Different antioxidants benefit different parts of the body. For instance, the beta carotene found in carrots can help maintain eye health. The lycopene found in tomatoes can contribute to prostate health.

The flavonoids found in tea, cocoa and chocolate are good for your heart, while the proanthocyanidins found in cranberries and apples can aid in the maintenance of the urinary tract.

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

Repairing damaged molecules – Some unique types of antioxidants can repair damaged molecules by donating a hydrogen atom. This is very important when the molecule is a critical one, like your DNA.

Blocking metal radical production – Some antioxidants have a chelating effect – they can grab toxic metals like mercury and arsenic, which can cause free radical formation, and "hug" them so strongly to prevent any chemical reaction from taking place. Water-soluble chelating agents can also escort toxic metals out of your body through your urine.

Stimulating gene expression and endogenous antioxidant production – Some antioxidants can stimulate your body's genes and increase your natural defenses.

Providing a "shield effect" – Antioxidants, such as flavonoids, can act as a virtual shield by attaching to your DNA to protect it from free radicals attacks.

Promoting cancer cells to "commit suicide" – Some antioxidants can provide anti-cancer chemicals that halt cancer growth and force some cancer cells to self-destruct (apoptosis).

One of the best ways to get your antioxidants is in food that you eat. In short, a regular diet rich in antioxidants will help keep you healthy, inside and out.

Thanks!Healthyworld.in

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