Benefits of Antioxidants
Published March 18th, 2007
Antioxidants protect our cells from damage caused by molecules called oxygen-free radicals. These oxygen-free radicals induce aging and are one of the major causes of disease. Because of their function in cell protection, the benefits of antioxidants are far-reaching and not contained to a single aspect of our health.
Types of antioxidants
The most common types of antioxidants are bilberry, bioperine, boron, calcium, carotenoids, chondroitin sulfate, chromium, CoQ10, essential fatty acids, flavonoids, gamma-oryzanol, garlic, gingko baloba, glucosamine sulfate, grape seed extract, green tea, iron, isoflavones, kava, magnesium, malic acid, N-acetylcysteine, potassium, probiotics, quercetin, red wine extract, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM), selenium, St. James Wort, taurine, tumeric, vitamins B, C, E, and zinc.
Benefits of antioxidants
Recent research about antioxidants has revealed that the benefits of this powerful compound do not stop in limiting the effect of free radicals. Below are some of the benefits of antioxidants:
1. Some dietary oxidants are helpful in weight control because they slow down oxidation, which is the reason cholesterol hardens and clogs arteries (eventually causing heart-related illnesses).
2. A promising medical study (where participants were asked to ingest daily doses of vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and selenium) shows that antioxidants can reduce certain kinds of cancer.
3. Antioxidants were also shown to reduce one’s risk from age-related diseases like heart ailments and cataracts.
4. Another one of the benefits of antioxidants is its ability to improve one’s physical appearance. Antioxidants help give you healthier-looking hair, nails, and skin.
5. Intake of antioxidants also seems to accelerates the healing of wounds and promotes bone growth and development.
Where can I get antioxidants?
Studies have shown that antioxidants from natural sources like food are more potent than those that come in supplements. However, supplements are still used to ensure that certain benefits of antioxidants are obtained by the body.
Antioxidants can usually be found in the following food items: garlic, seeds, Brazil nuts, meat, eggs, poultry, seafood, whole grains, red, yellow-orange, and leafy green vegetables and fruits (like carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, avocado, citrus, berries, cabbage, potatoes, mango, papaya), Peanut butter, seeds, vegetable oils and margarine, wheat germ, avocado, and salad dressings. Intake of these foods gives the person access to the benefits of antioxidants that can contribute greatly to a healthy living regimen.
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