Define Antioxidants
You are probably familiar with antioxidants and how they can benefit the body. However if you were asked to
define antioxidants would you be able to come up with the answer? You probably have the general idea but to
precisely define antioxidants is another thing.
Define Antioxidants: What are they?
When you define antioxidants it is important to keep in mind that they are chemical substances found in nature.
To define antioxidants you should know that they are a group of vitamins such as vitamin C vitamin E vitamin A
(beta-carotene) etc. and nutrients like selenium lutein and lycopene.
Several scientists are trying to define antioxidants for the past decade. Ever since they discovered the link
between free radicals and degenerative diseases such as cancer research has been focused on how to define
antioxidants and the role they play in all this.
Define Antioxidants: Functions
Oxygen damage (oxidation) to your cells results when there are too many free radicals present inside the body.
Researchers surmise that such damage may be partly responsible for the effects of aging and certain diseases. When
they define antioxidants scientists have discovered that the certain substances in food may play a role in
protecting against this damage.
As part of their normal function cells make toxic molecules called free radicals. A free radical is a damaged
molecule – that is it is missing an electron. Because the free radical wants its full complement of electrons it
reacts with other molecules and in so doing steals an electron from them. This leads to damage to cells which may
in turn lead to serious chronic diseases. Define antioxidants that occur naturally in the body and certain foods
may block this damage. Define antioxidants do this by donating electrons to stabilize and in effect neutralize the
harmful effects of the free radicals.
Define Antioxidants: Supplements
Even though most damage caused by free radicals is repaired a fraction may still remain. This is not at all
helped when we constantly expose ourselves to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and airborne pollutants such as
cigarette and smoke.
Eventually the damage may overwhelm the body’s natural defenses so that not even intake of antioxidants from our
diet can protect against damages. Soon our bodies develop reactions that accumulate overtime like aging or chronic
diseases like Alzheimer’s disease Parkinson’s disease rheumatoid arthritis atherosclerosis and more. By consuming
antioxidant vitamins these diseases may be prevented.
If you want to learn more about how to define antioxidants ask your doctor the following questions:
Which fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C or carotenoids?
Would you recommend taking antioxidant supplements? If so what doses?
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