Articles | Health Benefits of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are well-known for its ability to mop harmful free radicals and they are found in vegetables, fruits and tea. These substances have been considered as the 'good guys' for your health.

If they are the good ones then who are considered as the bad guys? The bad guys are called as free radicals. They are considered as bad guys because they are by-products of the oxidation process, which damages not only our cell membranes but includes also lipids, proteins and DNAs.

The Harm Caused by Free Radicals

Our bodies deal naturally with some free radicals since we also need them in fighting some infection, fix tissues and to stop tumor cells from increasing. But as we age and while our natural antioxidant defense system slows down, free radicals can increase in our bodies. As a matter of fact, the aging process is linked with the oxidation process of the cells in our body.

Some factors make it difficult for our bodies to get rid of free radicals and they include sunlight, stress, pollution and alcohol. Smoking can also produce free radicals in the lungs, where they begin to enter our body's circulatory system. Free radicals can also prompt weakening of the eye lens, damage to the brain's nerve cells and irritation of the joints.

These substances can also trigger the onset of heart disease. When oxidation happens to cholesterol, plaques start to form on artery walls. This condition is called as atherosclerosis, which can block the flow of blood towards the heart. The best way to avoid heart disease is to avoid free radicals. Some of the ways to do this include the following: quit smoking, avoiding atmospheric pollutants, keeping away from stress and eating varied but balanced diet that contains antioxidants.

The Health Benefits of Antioxidants

There are different kinds of antioxidants such as vitamins A, E and C; minerals like zinc, copper and selenium; plant phytochemicals like lycopene, anthocyanins and flavonoids; and zoochemicals found in animal products. These 'good guys' are in charge for the bright colours in vegetables and fruits, flavors of some foods such as coffee, tea, virgin oil and the bitter taste of chocolate.

Researchers have only started to understand how enhancing the body's supply of antioxidants can have a positive effect on our health. What scientists know from previous studies is the fact that people who include plenty of fruits and vegetables live a longer time. Studies have shown that some of these substances can help prevent heart diseases. For example, flavonoids which are found in green tea are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in Japan. Another antioxidant, known as lutein and is found in vegetables can help protect the lens of the eyes.

How to Improve Your Diet to Get Rid of Free Radicals

According to experts, women between ages 19 to 50 should include 7 to 8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, making sure to include one orange and one dark green vegetable. Since these healthy substances give the bright colors of vegetables and fruits, select those fruits and vegetables with bright colors.