How Antioxidants Help Our Bodies
So we all pretty much know by now that antioxidants are really good for us, but did you know why? What exactly are they and where can you find them?
Well, Wikipedia defines antioxidants as "compounds that inhibit, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals and chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms." Free radicals are defined as a "molecule with one or more unpaired electron in its outer shell." If free radical levels become to high in the body they can cause damage to cells which in turn can cause all kinds of issues and illness.
While our bodies do create their own antioxidant's we still need to include them in our everyday lives. Thankfully you can find antioxidants in more places than you might think. The best place being in plant based whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, spices, seeds, nuts, chocolate, tea and coffee. You can also find them in vitamins such as vitamin C, E, A, as well as Beta-Carotene, Lycopene, Selenium, Flavonoids, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Antioxidant's can even be used as a food preservative in both natural and processed foods to prolong shelf like.
You may also find it surprising to know that not all free radicals are bad. They actually do have an important purpose and roll to play. For example, they help cells to communicate with each other, they play an important roll in cell division and they help your body fight infection. The problem with free radicals arises when their levels build up too high in your body and they outnumber antioxidant's. These high levels lead to a type of stress called oxidative stress that can damage your cells and DNA. It also increases inflammation in the body which makes conditions like asthma and allergies worse. And if these high levels of oxidative stress are prolonged they can cause health concerns including degenerative and chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
While there are environmental factors and other stressors that can promote free radicals. Things like air pollution, toxins, radiation (excess sun exposure), infections (including virus, bacterial, and fungal infections), excessive intake of alcohol, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, high blood sugar levels and antioxidant deficiency. You can absolutely do something about it. By supplementing your diet with antioxidant's (including vitamins and healthy eating) you have the power to help neutralize those free radicals and reduce the risks associated with oxidative stress. Plus when we eat well we tend to feel better.
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