Antioxidant Supplements

Overview

Iron, when it comes into contact with water, is deprived of certain 'electrons' that are scavenged from it. This results in rusting. This process is called oxidation.

In much the same way, cells as well as DNA within the body are cheated of their constituent electrons by free radicals naturally produced within, as a result of dietary metabolism.

Oxidation reactions are chemical reactions that result in the transfer of electrons from a cell to an oxidising free radical. The cells within the body have their own natural anti-oxidants but improper diet and illness can affect the natural balance and make the body prone to more free radical scavenging than is controllable.

There is a high correlation between oxidative damage and occurrence of disease, especially cardiovascular disease.

Sources of Antioxidants

Vegetables, fruits, grain cereals, nuts, legumes, berries etc., are natural sources of anti-oxidants in varying levels of concentration.

Peppers (chilli, red bell), Spinach, Mushrooms, Barley, Millet, Maize, Almonds, Pistachio Nuts, Pecans, Blackberries, RaspBerries, Red Currants, Blue Berries, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate, Red Wine, Coffee, Tea etc., are commonly available sources of anti-oxidants.

Anti-oxidants are also found in a lot of food preservatives like Citric Acid, Pectin, Ascorbic Acid, Acetic Acid, etc. Vitamins A, C, E are the main anti-oxidising agents.

Antioxidants can be perceived as reducing agents that break up oxidative chain reactions, mostly by scavenging reactive oxygen species, before they can damage cells.

Benefits

Anti-oxidation rich foods and supplements reduce the damage to cells and biochemicals from free radicals within the body. They help slow down, reverse certain diseases and even prevent cellular damage. This has direct bearing on health, longevity, aging and appearance.

Effects of Free Radicals

Free radicals cause chemical reactions in which they 'steal' the electrons from other healthy cells and render them either useless or harmful. Free Radicals are produced within the body during the food-breakdown process. They are atoms missing an electron in their profile. So they simply steal.