Effects Of Antioxidants
The simple answer to that question, is that they help our cells stay healthy.
The interesting thing is how they do this and where can we get them so they can do their jobs.
how do antioxidants work
Antioxidants neutralize molecules that are known as free radicals. A free radical is a molecule with an extra electron. This non paired electron joins another molecule, making another free radical. This second free radical repeats the process.
Our cells are made up of molecules and when the free radical starts to do its thing, it changes the structure of the cell’s molecules and ends up damaging the cell. Typically on its outer membrane. This damage can result in cancers, heart disease, aging and others.
Free radicals are produced in our bodies naturally, but also absorbed from the environment. This could be through smoking or pollution.
This means that this process is going on all the time.
As antioxidants neutralize the free radicals by absorbing the electron without becoming a free radical in turn, they help maintain our cells healthy and stop the damage.
That is the benefit of an antioxidant.
There are different types of antioxidants, the most recognized ones are vitamin C and E, as well as beta-carotene, but there are many others.
These antioxidants appear naturally in certain foods and the best sources are fruits, vegetables and greens in general, but also in meat and seafood.
We should therefore look to feed ourselves by eating a variety of nutritious foods. We can also round off our antioxidant intake through supplements which are easily available.
