Why Antioxidants are so important for disease prevention and healthy aging

Antioxidants are essential to our overall health. They help protect our cells from damage and play a role in preventing a number of health conditions. But what are antioxidants, exactly and what do they do in the body? How can you make sure you're getting

2022-07-07 09:26:00

antioxidants

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Antioxidants are essential to our overall health. They help protect our cells from damage and play a role in preventing a number of health conditions. But what are antioxidants, exactly and what do they do in the body? How can you make sure you're getting enough of them? And are antioxidant supplements safe to take? In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions about antioxidants and provide information on how to take them safely and effectively.

 

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Many people also take antioxidant supplements to ensure they are getting enough of these important molecules. They protect the bodies cells from toxins and unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage our cells and lead to a number of health conditions, including cancer. Free radicals are produced naturally in the body, but they can also be created by environmental factors, such as pollution and UV radiation.

 

What are the different types of antioxidants that you may have heard of and what do they do in the body?

There are thousands of different substances that can act as antioxidants in the body, but some of the most important include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glutathione, Alpha Lipoic Acid, NAC, CoQ-10, and Selenium. Each of these antioxidants has unique benefits and can help to protect different parts of the body. 

 

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to boost the immune system and protect against infection.  It is also essential for the production of collagen, which is important for healthy skin and joints. 

Vitamin E is another important antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage. It is particularly important for protecting the eyes and skin from oxidative stress. It works well to support the actions of vitamin C. 

Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that helps to detoxify the body and protect against cell damage. N-acetylcysteine or NAC is the precursor to produce glutathione in your body and research indicates that this may be the best way to increase the bodies glutathione levels as our body has a hard time absorbing glutathione directly. 

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the brain and nervous system from damage. It may be especially helpful for individuals with type 2 diabetes as it may help the body regulate blood sugar and reduce symptoms of nerve damage caused by diabetes. It may be better absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. 

CoQ-10 is an important antioxidant that helps to produce energy in cells and also protects against cell damage. It is especially important for individuals that may be taking a statin medication to lower cholesterol levels as this medication depletes CoQ-10 levels in the body. 

Selenium is a trace mineral that helps to protect the body against infection, protect DNA from damage and destroy cancer cells. 

 

Are antioxidants supplements safe to take?

Antioxidants are important for overall health, but it is important to take them in moderation. Too much of any one antioxidant can be harmful. It is best to get antioxidants from a variety of sources, and a variety of colourful whole foods are the most important way to support your body with antioxidants. Taking a supplemental form of antioxidants can give you and extra boost but be sure to talk with your doctor before takin any supplements as they can interact with some medications that you may be taking. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal upset, skin rashes and headaches so it is best to start with a lower dose supplement and increase gradually as needed. If you are a smoker you should avoid taking high doses of beta-carotene. 

 

 

References:

Olorunnisola Olubukola Sinbad, Ajayi Ayodeji Folorunsho, Okeleji Lateef Olabisi, Oladipo Abimbola Ayoola, Emorioloye Johnson Temitope. Vitamins as Antioxidants. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research 2 (2019): 214-235.

Pham-Huy LA, He H, Pham-Huy C. Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health. Int J Biomed Sci. 2008 Jun;4(2):89-96. PMID: 23675073; PMCID: PMC3614697.

 

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