Antioxidants – 6 Facts You Must Know

Amy Taylor January 24, 2014

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Antioxidants – search it on Google and you will get about 7,610,000 results. Antioxidants are well-touted these days. These substances are known to promote good health in so many ways, from preventing the damaging effects of oxidation on cells to delaying the ageing process and reducing the risk of different illnesses. But then again, it is important to separate the facts from the hypes. Here are some important facts you should know about antioxidants:

Antioxidants are the enemy of free radicals. Okay, so what are ‘free radicals’? Technically, free radicals are molecules missing an electron. The moment a molecule loses an electron, it ties with a nearby cell to grab a spare of electron. This is not the problem per se, but over time, this causes healthy normal cells to become ‘unstable’, and ultimately, get damaged. So how do antioxidants help eliminate free radicals in the body? It does it by providing free radicals with another electron.

Antioxidants counter the effect of oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical process wherein a chemical process by which the cells’ electrons are transferred to an oxidizing agent. Think of slicing an apple. Few seconds later, it turns brown. This is a common example of oxidation. Antioxidants prevent oxidation by neutralising or fighting this process.

They have anti-inflammatory benefits. Certain antioxidants, such as those found in tea and coffee may prevent the oxidation of fats – a process that promotes widespread inflammation and increases risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to a research published in the International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Inflammation is among the leading risk factors for a wide range of diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Diet is the biggest source of antioxidants. Antioxidants can be natural and manmade. Among the most common food sources of these powerful nutrients include berries, garlic, broccoli, red grapes, whole grains, tomatoes, spinach, tea, soy and carrots. Study after study shows that antioxidants have beneficial effects on human health. A growing body of research suggests that they support healthy skin, healthy organs and tissues, and overall improvement in health.

Antioxidants can boost your immune system. Antioxidants found in food, particularly vitamins A, C and E, polyphenols and certain minerals, could boost immune function by eliminating the free radicals that enter the body, as well as those that are produced during normal processes in the body.

They can indeed, delay ageing. The idea that antioxidants can slow down the ageing process is not a myth. Vitamins E and C for instance, may help delay ageing and reverse memory loss, according to a 2008 study published in the journal Age. Meanwhile, numerous studies have shown that the antioxidants and nutrients from blueberries may boost brain cells’ abilities to maintain long-term communication and establish strong connections.

An antioxidant-rich diet can help you achieve better health and a youthful vigour and appearance. So make sure to increase your daily intake of these powerful compounds by eating more of fresh plant-based produce.