What are antioxidants?

antioxidantsThis is a group of vitamins, minerals, natural dyes from plants and other compounds and enzymes (substances from our body involved in multiple metabolic processes), which block the damaging effect of the so-called free radicals. Most of the antioxidants found in plant foods, which explains that include fruits, legumes, vegetables or whole grains in our diet is so beneficial.

Free radicals and oxidation

Breathing in oxygen is essential for cellular life of our body, but because of the same molecules are produced, free radicals, which lead to lifelong negative health effects for their ability to alter the DNA (genes), proteins and lipids or fats.

In our body is continually renewing cells (skin, intestine?) And others not (liver cells, neurons?). Over the years, free radicals can cause genetic alteration on the first, increasing the risk of cancer, and reduce the functionality of the latter (the cells that are not renewed), which is characteristic of aging.

Habits as common as intense physical exercise, smoking, consumption of diets rich in fats and overexposure to solar radiation and environmental pollution, increase the production of free radicals.

Benefits of antioxidants

In recent years it has been scientifically investigated the role of antioxidants in cardiovascular disease in many types of cancer, AIDS and still others directly associated with the aging process, such as cataracts or nervous system. The studies focus primarily on vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, selenium and zinc.

The relationship between these antioxidants and cardiovascular disease, and possibly cerebrovascular diseases, is now sufficiently established. It is known that the modification of the “bad” cholesterol (LDL-c) plays a fundamental role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis (thickening and abnormal hardness internal covers the blood vessels due to deposition of fatty material that prevent or hinder the passage of the blood).

Antioxidants can block free radicals that modify the bad cholesterol, reducing cardiovascular risk. On the other hand, low levels of antioxidants may be a risk factor for certain types of cancer.

Although the intake of foods rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of certain diseases, they do not alter the normal deterioration that leads to old age or do not allow us to live longer.

It has been shown that supplementation with high doses of antioxidant preparations can be counterproductive. Although each day is known about the benefits of antioxidants – is to promote consumption through food that contains naturally-it is early to ensure whether or not the daily supplementation, as it know the correct dosages.

Therefore, it is best to follow a varied and balanced diet, in which no missing plants and not to abuse supplements or foods fortified with antioxidants.

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