We do hear a lot about antioxidants in medical journals or from any brand of supplements shouting for its numerous health benefits. But, what exactly antioxidants are and why there is so much chaos about this substance?

Antioxidants are substances which protect us from the harmful effects of the oxidation caused by free radical to the cells of our body. If you believe the health experts, the damages of the free radicals of the cellular tissues are the key factors leading to the development of chronic diseases like atherosclerosis- a disorder of blood vessel, cancers and many such.

Well, there are certain factors leading us to the exposure of free radicals. Some of them are- 

• Pollutants

• The breakdown of certain medicines in the body, and

• The impacts of by-products which interfere with the normal process of breaking down of sugar for energy production and the secretion of digestive enzymes.

We can get a range of useful minerals, vitamins, and other important substances from antioxidants. They are rich in specific types of vitamins i.e.- Vitamin C and E; some minerals i.e. – flavonoids and selenium. They are plentiful in different fruits and vegetables. In addition to this, we can get flavonoids from tea leaves, fruits, and red wine. Although there are ranges of health supplements infused with antioxidants, it is always better to resource them from the natural products like a healthy diet.

So, while there are so many concerns about the use of antioxidants, it makes sense to find out its worthiness and safety. They are indeed a rich source of some valuable vitamins and minerals. Therefore, we always tend to get them from natural sources like from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

There is no such regulation on the dietary supplements enriched with antioxidants, it is safe to avoid their use, and find ways to get them from the natural diets.

There is a wide array of health benefits of antioxidants.  Let us find their benefits.

As tea and coffee are enriched with an antioxidant property, it helps reduce the symptoms of cardiovascular disease. According to the study by the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, one cup of morning coffee contains polyphenol compounds, important to prevent the effects of oxidation of fats. This is linked to a widespread of inflammation to the body causing heart diseases and diabetes. Always prefer to have a coffee with moderately roasted coffee beans.

Antioxidants are effective in warding off the ill-effects of by-products, free radicals, and other associated factors to strengthen our immune system. As antioxidants can counteract the effects of these harmful compounds, they can prevent the occurrences of some of the deadly diseases like cancer. Simultaneously, it boosts the immune system to restrict the onset of breast cancers.

In the December 200 8 issue of “AGE”, it has been reported that antioxidants with its natural resources of Vitamin C and E can delay the process of aging. It can prevent and even restrict the occurrence of memory loss. At the same time, any diet enriched with blueberries is likely to improve the brain functions, resulting in communication perfection to establish strong connections between people.

A diet containing rich sources of antioxidants such as spinach, blueberry, and strawberry is likely to inhibit the attack of a certain enzyme. So, by restricting this enzyme, antioxidants ensure goodness for nervous system and prevent the onset of neurological disorders.

While antioxidants are offering a range of health benefits, we cannot avoid their goodness towards our health. We should make it a point to combine such foods enriched with these properties to our diet on a regular basis.

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