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Did you know that antioxidants are one of the most important natural compounds in the human body? If you're not getting enough of them or none at all, you're more likely to develop major health issues.
Naturally, there's a lot that goes into how antioxidants work in the body and how to get them if you aren't getting enough of them from your food. Let's take a look at what antioxidants are and why they can be so important for overall health.
Understanding oxidative stress
To understand the role of antioxidants, it's essential to understand what is oxidative stress. The body naturally produces free radicals as byproducts of cellular processes, and these highly reactive molecules can damage cells, DNA and proteins.
Oxidative stress happens when there's an excessive production of free radicals in the body. Over time, they can accumulate and contribute to the aging process, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
What are antioxidants good for?
Studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants is linked with a lower risk of chronic diseases. It helps protect against cellular damage, reduce inflammation, and support overall health of various bodily systems.
Here are some examples of the role of antioxidants in disease prevention:
1) Heart health
Eating a variety of colorful fruits, leafy greens and nuts can be a delicious way to support heart health.
These foods are rich in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce risk of heart disease. These powerful nutrients work by fighting off harmful free radicals, reducing inflammation and promoting good cardiovascular health.
2) Cancer prevention
Adding a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet not only makes your meals more vibrant and delicious, but it can also help protect against cancer. They work to neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage DNA and promote growth of cancer cells.
3) Neuroprotection
Did you know that oxidative stress can harm your brain and increase risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's? Don't worry, though, as there's something you can do to protect your brain.
Consuming foods packed with vitamin E, flavonoids and polyphenols can help keep the brain healthy and reduce risk of cognitive decline
4) Boosts skin health
Certain vitamins and compounds can help keep the skin healthy and looking young.
Vitamins A, C and E, as well as coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol, are powerful antioxidants that can protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution.
They can also help keep the skin looking firm and elastic, which can slow down the aging process and reduce appearance of wrinkles.
5) Boosts eye health
Nutrients can help keep the eyes healthy and prevent vision problems as you age. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E are all important for maintaining healthy eyes and preventing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
These nutrients work by protecting your eyes from damage caused by exposure to light and other external factors.
To harness the benefits of antioxidants, it's important to adopt a balanced and varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. These foods are abundant in vitamins (like C and E), minerals (like selenium and zinc), and phytochemicals (like flavonoids and carotene).
It's an essential part of a healthy diet and can play a significant role in preventing chronic diseases and slowing down the aging process. By incorporating certain foods in your diet and making other healthy lifestyle choices, you can help promote overall health and wellness for many years.
