Nutrition Making A Difference

How Are Antioxidants Beneficial to Health?

If you have watched any amount of television I’m sure you have been exposed to commercials touting numerous products that can give you the many benefits of antioxidants. The question you need to ask is: should I listen to these commercials? As with anything, you should take these boasts with a grain of salt, but at the same time understand there are benefits of antioxidants. Let us at HPFY give you some guidance as to why antioxidants can benefit your overall health.

What are Antioxidants?

I’m sure you have heard the word antioxidants, but do you understand what they actually are? Basically, antioxidants are substances that can counteract the effects of oxidation in tissue. While this oxidation is normal, it can have negative effects on us as we age. Studies have shown these nutrients and enzymes can help the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and even cataracts. Antioxidants are great at combating free radicals. These free radicals are harmful molecules that produce oxidative stress due to an excess/deficient number of electrons. Due to this electron imbalance, free radicals can grab electrons from your body, therefore damaging your cells and even DNA. An army of antioxidants can do battle with these bad guys!!

 

 

Benefits of Antioxidants

The war against free radicals can begin and end with antioxidants. The question beckons to be asked: are there health benefits of antioxidants? The answer to that question is yes. Basically, by adding an electron to a free radical, an antioxidant can help create a more stable molecule minimizing oxidation. As with any dietary or supplement program, you should check with your physician to make sure antioxidants are appropriate for you. Antioxidants can include vitamins and minerals such as:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Beta-carotene
• Lutein
• Flavonoids

These antioxidants (and others) can be found in everyday items such as blueberries, as well as antioxidant dietary supplements. With antioxidants being the current super food, they have come under scrutiny. The intake of too many supplements can be potentially harmful. Even though excessive digestion of vitamins and minerals can be harmful, the upside to antioxidants and your health can be beneficial. These potential benefits can include:

1. Boost brain function
2. Decrease of oxidative stress
3. Potentially aid in preventing cancer
4. Healthy eyes
5. Improved lung function
6. Healthy skin

Understanding how antioxidants work and their effects on free radicals can help you maintain your overall good health. You should incorporate antioxidants into your everyday diet as well as adding dietary supplements to your daily routine in order to maximize the health benefits of antioxidants. Attack those free radicals and stay healthy!!

 

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