an antioxidant is a chemical compound that protects cells against the effects of free radicals (molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to pollutants such as tobacco smoke or radiation). Free radicals can damage cells and may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other medical conditions; hence, researchers are interested in determining exactly which antioxidants are effective against them. But the truth is those answers have been elusive—unsurprising, considering scientists have yet to discover all forms of antioxidants. To date, there are more than 4,000 known flavonoids—and that’s just one class of antioxidant.
Type of an antioxidants and their benefits
Beta-Carotene
Found in: Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots and cantaloupe; dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale
Benefits: Beta-carotene was long believed to help prevent cataracts, although today the research appears to be more conflicted, and scientists say more research is needed.
Lutein
Found in: Leafy greens such as spinach; corn, carrots, and squash
Benefits: Research indicates that lutein may help lower the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Lycopene
Found in: Red, fleshy fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and tomatoes
Benefits: Diets rich in lycopene may help protect against heart disease.
Selenium
Found in: Seafood, lean meats, and whole grains
Benefits: Research often suggests that selenium may have a preventive effect against cancer.
Vitamin A
Found in: Animal sources such as eggs, meat, and dairy
Benefits: Research indicates that vitamin A promotes clear and healthy vision. It also helps form and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, and skin.
Vitamin C
Found in: Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit; bell peppers and broccoli
Benefits: Among its many functions, vitamin C can aid tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and wound repair. It may also help cure or prevent colds by boosting the immune system.
Vitamin E
Found in: Wheat germ, nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), and monounsaturated oils (e.g., sunflower oil)
Benefits: Preliminary research has led to a widely held belief that vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease.
Is Healthy Diet Replaceable with an antioxidant
There are many reasons to consider a supplement routine. About 90% of Americans don’t meet their recommended daily allowance for vitamin E, “It seems reasonable, since there are shortfalls, that clients would want to consider supplements such as a multivitamin, “People should both eat healthy and take a supplement if they still aren’t meeting their needs. Food is the best source of antioxidants,”. “Fruits and vegetables can help reduce the oxidative stress through the antioxidant effect of phytochemicals such as flavonoids. Adults should have three servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables per day. The best way for you to get a diet rich in antioxidants is to eat a healthy diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. “If you’re following that pattern of eating, you have nothing to worry about “You’ll get vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, and every antioxidant under the sun.”
Are antioxidants helpful for disease prevention
Of course, the main reason people are so interested in antioxidants is their potential role in preventing disease.. effectiveness of antioxidants in treating disease and perhaps even raised concern about the safety of taking supplements. In fact, it also claimed that some antioxidants, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, may actually increase mortality rates. “The meta-analysis looked at a variety of other studies and utilized patients who were already post disease,”. “The study author discovered, based on his statistical approach, that people taking extremely high levels of vitamin E were at some risk. While he took into consideration the dose, he did not consider the type of vitamin E, nor take into consideration other pharmaceutical drugs these patients could have been taking. And, on top of that, these patients were already sick. Based on current evidence, I see no reason why people should be worried about taking vitamin E.”Blumberg adds that this particular analysis only examined studies with a death involved and did not disclose the cause of death.
Oxidative Stress and the Power of Antioxidants
If you are on a functional path of healing, and looking to make changes in your lifestyle to optimize wellness, remember the Two Big Qs we ask: “What is too much” (that could be causing damage….like, too much oxidation- read further!) and “What is not enough?” (that could be helpful in healing your body – like, antioxidants?!). Remember that “Food Is Medicine” so let’s see how to further enhance the healing in your own kitchen. Antioxidants are substances found in certain plant foods as well as manufactured by our bodies. They prevent damage to our cells that are caused by “free radicals.” Free radicals are produced during normal body functions, but they can get out of hand if our body is exposed to harmful toxins through our environment or our food. It is important to rid our bodies of free radicals as soon as they are generated to prevent them from harming our health and causing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the damage that free radicals cause to our cells. It is linked to a variety of chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, cancer, immune deficiency syndromes, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other inflammatory conditions.