The Role of Antioxidants in Health

Image credit: nm.org

What is an antioxidant molecule?

"Antioxidant" is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. Because free radicals lack a full complement of electrons, they steal electrons from other molecules and damage those molecules in the process.

What are antioxidants & why are they important?

The answer is antioxidants. An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation. Oxygen is, in fact, a free radical. When oxygen meets fat or pigments in food this is called oxidation. If fats oxidize, they produce stale or rancid odours and flavours. Picture an apple with a bite out of it.

What vitamins and minerals are antioxidants?

Some vitamins and minerals — including vitamins C and E and the minerals copper, zinc, and selenium — serve as antioxidants, in addition to other vital roles. "Antioxidant" is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells.

How do Antioxidants help fight free radicals?

Because free radicals are so pervasive, you need an adequate supply of antioxidants to disarm them. Your body's cells naturally produce some powerful antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid and glutathione.

Are antioxidants good for You?

Hopsecger says that while fighting free radicals is the primary benefit of antioxidants, there is a secondary benefit. “Indirectly, antioxidants help reduce the risk of chronic disease development because they negate those free radicals from causing havoc to our cells,” Hopsecger says.

Do antioxidants fight free radicals?

“Free radicals are normal byproducts of metabolism that occur in our bodies or can be a result of environmental factors, like air pollution and smoke.” The primary benefit of antioxidants is their ability to safely react with free radicals before damage can be done on a cellular level. Basically, “Antioxidants fight free radicals,” says Hopsecger.

How do antioxidants affect oxidation?

Antioxidants inhibit a process called oxidation, which generates free radicals that leads to cellular damage. Antioxidants safely interact with free radicals, neutralizing them before they can cause damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many free radicals in the body.

What are antioxidants & how do they work?

Antioxidants are molecules that can help your body fight off harmful free radicals, which have been linked to health conditions like diabetes and cancer. They’re found in many plant-based foods. Vitamin E and C are examples. You may have heard a lot of talk about antioxidants. However, few people know what they are or how they work.

What Is Antioxidant Support

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained
2. https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/what-are-antioxidants-and-why-are-they-good-for-you
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-antioxidants
4. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/
5. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-do-antioxidants-do
6. https://www.verywellfit.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-antioxidants-2507083
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/add-antioxidants-to-your-diet/art-20546814
8. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506
9. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/antioxidants-health-benefits-best-sources-side-effects-more/
10. https://www.livescience.com/benefits-of-antioxidants