Antioxidants?

Everybody’s heard of antioxidants, but how many of us know what they actually do?  These important nutrients occur naturally in our body and in vegetables and fruits.  Common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and certain compounds called carotenoids (like lutein and beta-carotene).   The science behind how antoxidants work is constantly evolving, and nutritionists are discovering more reasons for their importance every day.

As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These free radicals are highly unstable and steal components - fat or protien, for example - from other cells.  As these other cells are damaged, a chain reaction starts, and entire cells soon begin to die. This process is called peroxidation. Peroxidation in moderation is useful because it helps the body purge cells that have outlived their usefulness and kills germs and parasites. However, peroxidation, when left unchecked, can wreak havoc on healthy cells. 

Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular damage by donating components to stabilize free radicals. More importantly, antioxidants cling to cellular surfaces to stabilize cell structure, and act as a “shield” against free radical damage.

When there are not enough antioxidants to hold peroxidation in check, significant cell damage can occur, which, in turn, can lead to health problems. For example, free radical damage to immune cells can lead to an increased risk of infection.

 

Team Beyondi