Antioxidants, What They Are And Why We Need Them

Antioxidants, What They Are And Why We Need Them

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The purpose of this article is to serve as a beginners guide to what antioxidants are and to briefly review their role in exercise and general health. A large body of scientific research has demonstrated that antioxidants are beneficial.

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. They are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage, which is the common pathway for cancer and a variety of other diseases.

They're also thought to have a role in slowing the aging process and preventing heart disease and strokes. Antioxidants are provided by a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants are often described as "mopping up" free radicals, meaning they neutralize the electrical charge and prevent the free radical from taking electrons from other molecules. You'll find antioxidants abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains and some meats, poultry and fish.

Antioxidants are generally classified into two broad divisions, depending on whether they are soluble in water (hydrophilic) or in lipids (hydrophobic). Antioxidants are also being investigated as possible treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Certain groups are more effective attacking free radicals in body organs, such as the liver and kidneys, others the lining of the body openings. Examples of these types of antioxidants are vitamins E and C.

Antioxidants are also used as food additives to help guard against food deterioration. Recently published literature has substantiated that all antioxidants are not created the same, and to achieve optimal taste, shelf life and bioavailability, processors and manufacturers must take the necessary steps to assure product safety and quality for discerning consumers.

Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.


About the Author:
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