Antioxidants

 

What are they?
Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. [1] Examples of antioxidants include but are not limited to vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenes.

Where can I find them?
Antioxidants can be found naturally in fruit, vegetables, grains, and legumes. You can also find them in supplement form, but after extensive research on supplements the verdict is out that there is no added benefit in supplementing. In fact it has been concluded that supplementing with high doses of antioxidants may result in severe consequences.

Why are they so important?
Antioxidants have been linked in the prevention of several chronic diseases such as: cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Throughout our daily life we are constantly faced with factors like smog, smoking, ozone, chemicals, microbes, and stress, which can cause the formation of free radicals. Free radicals can then cause cell damage that may lead to DNA damage. If DNA damage is continuous and goes unrepaired individuals can develop chronic diseases. Antioxidants aid the body in controlling or eliminating free radicals therefore playing a key role in the prevention of free radical DNA damage.

What does this all mean?
You might want to consider adding more whole foods to your diet, specifically fresh vegetables and fruit. The more natural antioxidants you consume the better protected you are from chronic diseases such as: cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. After all it’s better to be proactive and reactive.

 

Sources:
[1] National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
[2] Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism