The body’s cells face threats every single day. Apart from infections and viruses attacking them, free radicals can also damage the cells as well as the DNA. Moreover, some of these free radicals can contribute to the aging process. Nonetheless, they can play a part in diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Scientists believe that antioxidants can help to stop or limit the damage caused by free radicals. Your body basically uses antioxidants to balance the free radicals in the body.
If you haven’t taken any antioxidants either artificial or natural, then you are missing out on several health benefits. In this article, we will delve into the top five antioxidants.
What are antioxidants?
An antioxidant is a substance that prevents oxidation from taking place, specifically oxidation that counteracts the deterioration of stored food products. In a layman’s language, antioxidants are compounds that delay or even prevent cell damage in the body.
When you consume antioxidants they help defend your body against oxidative stress from harmful free radicals.
Top 5 antioxidants
- Vitamin E
It is a fat-soluble antioxidant that exists in eight chemical forms; however, only one form meets the requirements for human consumption and that is tocopherol. Vitamin E stops the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed when fat undergoes oxidation. By doing this, it prevents chronic diseases associated with free radicals.
- Vitamin A
It is a name of a group of fat-soluble retinoids which include retinal, retinol, esters, and retinyl. Vitamin A supports immune function, heart health, kidney health, vision, and cell growth and communication.
Vitamin A is very important for vision because of one of the essential component present is known as rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is a protein that absorbs light in the retinal receptors, hence supporting the functioning of cornea and conjunctival membranes.
- Resveratrol
This is an antioxidant made by certain plants naturally and found in foods and drinks. In plants, it is produced naturally when they’re being attacked by pathogens. Resveratrol has the ability to fight off infections and stressors. On top of that, it has amazing anti-aging benefits.
- Lycopene
Lycopene is responsible for the bright red coloring you see on tomatoes. It is also present in vegetables, but not found in strawberries or cherries. Research suggests that taking lycopene may help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases or cancer.
- Carbon 60
Vitality Carbon 60 has several uses and applications in different fields such as chemical research, nanotechnology, health and medicine, biomedical, and electronics development.
Nevertheless, it contains antioxidant properties and it’s believed it can lengthen lifespan. Carbon 60 is usually secreted from the body quickly, but scientist say it brings about long-lasting changes in cells and organs. Moreover, it strengthens the DNA.
Conclusion
The sources of antioxidants can either be artificial or natural. From both sources, you’ll still get the health benefits. The antioxidants above can be found in foods such as blueberries, dark chocolate, artichokes, pecans, strawberries, red cabbage, beans, kales, purple or red grapes, and orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.
Apart from these sources, there are antioxidant supplements. They are beneficial too; however, you should talk to a health provider first before taking them. It’s because some of them have been linked to increase the risk of some health conditions.
In general, add these top five antioxidants and other approved antioxidants to your diet to help prevent you from free radicals that are linked to a range of diseases.