Easy Explainer: Antioxidants!

2 May 2022

Easy Explainer: Antioxidants!

Easy Explainer: Antioxidants!Antioxidants are chemicals that protect your body from the effects of substances (also called free radicals) that might cause damage to your body. This typically happens when these levels of these substances rise over a certain limit.

Experts believe that a variety of ailments including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are associated with this phenomenon. In order to keep free radicals under control, your body has developed its own antioxidant defences.
Free Radicals and Antioxidants!

Free radicals are continually forming in your body however with no antioxidant protection, free radicals could cause significant damage.
 	On the other hand, free radicals perform critical tasks that are necessary for good health. For example, free radicals are used by your immune cells to combat infections. But your body must thus maintain a particular equilibrium between free radicals and antioxidants.
 	In situations when free radicals exceed antioxidants, a condition known as oxidative stress can occur. An extended period of time under the influence of oxidative stress can cause damage to your body.
 	Many factors, including stress and environmental conditions, are known to induce excessive free radical generation and oxidative stress. These factors include but are not limited to air pollution,  alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet etc.

Antioxidants in Foods!

It is necessary for the survival of all living beings to consume antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, green tea, coffee, and dark chocolate are well-known around the world.
 	Antioxidants also have the ability to extend the shelf life of both natural and processed foods, and as a result, they are commonly employed as food ingredients. To provide an example, vitamin C is frequently added to processed foods in order to serve as a preservative.

Antioxidant Supplements!

Antioxidant intake is crucial for overall health, however, more is not necessarily better when it comes to antioxidant intake.
 	As per experts, excessive amounts of isolated antioxidants can have harmful consequences and may even increase rather than prevent oxidative damage, known as the "antioxidant paradox".
 	Most health specialists recommend that consumers avoid using high-dose antioxidant supplements.
 	Eating enough whole foods high in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables is a far better option.

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