What is an Antioxidant?

You may have read or heard something about the health benefits of taking antioxidants from the news, TV or the internet. However, what is an antioxidant and how do they actually work?

First, let us describe what antioxidants are then after that, we could look at a few of the benefits that they give. Every minute of every day, your body is under attack by free radicals. Free radicals are the byproduct from oxidative process going on throughout your body. They attack the normal cells in your body, which over time may give way to a number of ailments and health problems.

An antioxidant works by appreciably slowing down or preventing the oxidative stress or damage by oxygen begun by substances identified as free radicals, which may lead to cellular damage and the onset of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

Basically, antioxidants interact with the free radicals and work to block them from injuring important cells in the body. They are the body’s defense from the ravages of free radicals. As soon as an antioxidant finds its way into the body, mostly through the foods you eat it delays or even prevents the oxidation damage of other cells. It is normal to have free radicals in your body but when there are a lot of them, they can create havoc on the rest of the body.

Antioxidants are beneficial dietary substances that include some well-known nutrients; for instance, Vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene together with the trace metal Selenium. When men and women come down with a cold, they drink more orange juice and take Vitamin C. When we were children, our parents told us to eat our carrots to get strong eyes. These nutrients and others help prevent damage from taking place and may assist in repairing damage that has already occurred. Some studies indicate that antioxidants can also improve the immune system and perhaps lower your chance of infection or cancer

The human body can manufacture several antioxidants and others we can get a hold of from our food or high-quality dietary supplements. Regrettably, as we mature the human body needs antioxidants and their benefits more and more. This is why many mature men and women add to their diet with antioxidant loaded foods or dietary antioxidant supplements.