What's so special about antioxidants?

[jw5]

What's so special about antioxidants?​

We hear a lot about antioxidants and how good they are for our health, but what are they, really? Many of us have a somewhat clear idea of what macronutrients (protein, fat, carbs) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are, but when it comes to antioxidants and free radicals, things can get a bit cloudy.

 

[jw5]

Our bodies produce antioxidants​

We tend to associate antioxidants with foods, but an antioxidant is, in fact, a chemical property and not a nutritional property.

 

[jw5]

Our bodies produce antioxidants​

Essentially, the molecular structure of an antioxidant is different from that of a vitamin, mineral, or macronutrient (e.g. protein), and our bodies produce them naturally to protect cells from damage.

 

[jw5]

They fight free radicals​

Free radicals are essentially unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA. Antioxidants counteract the actions of free radicals.

 

[jw5]

They fight free radicals​

Our bodies also produce free radicals, and they can be useful to destroy our own damaged cells when there are viruses and bacteria we need to eliminate from our bodies. Too many of them are not good though, as they can end up attacking good cells. This is when antioxidants get into action.

 

[jw5]

Antioxidant vs. free radicals balance​

Free radicals 'steal' electrons from antioxidants, so having the right balance of both in our bodies is important. This usually means that consuming extra antioxidants via food can help us fight off free radicals we’re exposed to, such as pollution.

 

[jw5]

Immunity​

We get how antioxidants work now, but what does that mean for our health, really? Well, they essentially allow our immune system to function properly. The free radicals that our bodies produce to fight off illnesses would cause havoc in our bodies without antioxidants to keep them in check.

 

[jw5]

Immunity​

Free radicals get electrons from harmful molecules, but after they’ve done so, antioxidants must be present so that free radicals can 'steal' the electrons from them, instead of getting them from healthy cells (from DNA, for example).

 

[jw5]

What happens if you have too many free radicals?​

Too many free radicals and too little antioxidants puts us at risk of getting into a state called oxidative stress.

 

[jw5]

Oxidative stress​

We all get into short periods of oxidative stress. This can happen when we drink alcohol or exercise, for instance. Chronically being in this state, however, can be detrimental, having been linked to DNA damage and cancer.

 

[jw5]

Food sources of antioxidants​

Fruits and vegetables are the main sources of antioxidants in our diets. Consuming these daily has been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, to name a few.

 

[FUNCHOI]

Knn
Such Q, must consult @sweetiepie Unker
@hollowman.
Beyond my paygrade.

 

[jw5]

Unknowns​

While we know antioxidants fight free radicals, the mechanism by which fruits and vegetables actually make us healthier is not fully understood. The antioxidants might play a role, but that’s just one part of the (still unknown) equation. Either way, it’s still a good idea to include them in your diet.

 

[jw5]

Green tea​

Green tea is one of the most antioxidant-rich beverages you can drink. It's rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to help protect against cancer.

 

[jw5]

Cocoa​

Cocoa (both in powder form and as part of chocolate) is also rich in polyphenols. Though it also contains flavonoids and methylxanthine compounds, both of which contain great antioxidant properties.

 

[jw5]

Beta-carotene​

You’ve probably heard about beta-carotene, a pigment that gives vegetables a yellow, orange, and red color (e.g. carrots).

 

[jw5]

Beta-carotene​

Carotenoids are then converted to vitamin A in the body, which is an antioxidant that plays a key role in immunity and vision, and might reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.

 

[FUNCHOI]

What's so special about antioxidants?​

We hear a lot about antioxidants and how good they are for our health, but what are they, really? Many of us have a somewhat clear idea of what macronutrients (protein, fat, carbs) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are, but when it comes to antioxidants and free radicals, things can get a bit cloudy.

KNN

Rast time, I Leemember Soursop was commonly used in this forum.
Somehow, that word faded away.

Anyway,.....


Soursop is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immune health.
The vitamin strengthens your immune system, improving its ability to defend against pathogens.
It also promotes the destruction of free radicals, which can help to protect your skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage.




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[jw5]

Beta-carotene​

In addition to carrots, you can also get it from apricots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash, to name a few.

 

[jw5]

Vitamin C​

When antioxidants are mentioned, vitamin C usually comes to mind—and for a good reason. Our bodies cannot produce this powerful antioxidant, but we sure can get it from foods such as oranges and other citrus fruits, as well as kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli, among others.