Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that bolster your immune system by protecting you from the harmful effects of oxygen released by chemical reactions in your body. The name antioxidants stems from their ability to help prevent and possibly even repair the damage caused by the process of oxidation.

Oxidative damage occurs either when your body breaks down food, creating oxygen, or when you’re exposed to environmental toxins, such as tobacco smoke and radiation. This damage causes your cells to stop functioning properly. Over time, the harm to the cells becomes irreversible and lead to illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

You can prevent oxidative damage by making sure your diet includes antioxidant substances, such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E. These compounds are found in many of the foods that you probably already eat, such as fruits and vegetables; nuts; grains; some meats, poultry, and fish; and even red wine. Foods containing antioxidants should be eaten at every meal for the maximum benefit. Since the process of digestion causes the oxidative process, the best way to combat the damage is to have antioxidants – either from food or from supplements taken daily – already in your bloodstream when you’re eating.

Additional Facts

1. The antioxidants in a daily glass of red wine may help prevent the development of certain cancers. The same benefit has not been shown from having a daily glass of white wine, beer, or liquor.

2. The brain is vulnerable to oxidative damage. As a result, antioxidants are commonly used in medications to treat brain injuries and are being investigated as medications for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

3. The antioxidant process is similar to stopping at cut apple from browning aft4er it’s been exposed to the air. If you dip a cut apple in orange juice, which contains the antioxidant vitamin C, it will stop the oxidation process and the apple’s flesh will stay white.

4.As many as 30 percent of Americans take antioxidant supplements.