Antioxidants are chemicals that protect body cells from
damage by free radicals. They work by reducing the rate of chemical reactions
leading to cell damage. In addition, antioxidants also possess
anti-inflammatory properties that help to improve liver function.
Antioxidant vitamins can be taken as dietary supplements.
You can find them in vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based whole foods.
Antioxidant vitamins like C, E, and A are well known for their antioxidant
properties.
- Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that is an
essential dietary nutrient.
- Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a vital
role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage.
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects the
body's cells, promotes health, and supports growth.
Other antioxidants include flavonoids, a group of plant
antioxidants that help regulate cellular activity and prevent free radicals,
and carotenoids, a group of yellow-orange pigments found in fruits and vegetables.
They protect the body from diseases and boost the immune system.
The Role of Antioxidants in Fighting Disease
Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells from the
damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced
by the breakdown of food or exposure to toxins such as cigarette smoke and
radiation. As a result, they cause damage to cells or tissues by stealing
electrons from stable ones. Antioxidants serve as the body's first line of
defense by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Antioxidants in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and
grains help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. For example,
fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, both powerful
antioxidants that help protect you from free-radical damage. Nuts and whole
grains also contain antioxidants that help prevent premature aging.
Evidence has shown that antioxidants may be beneficial in
helping to prevent or delay the onset of many illnesses and conditions,
including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. This could be because
antioxidants help to reduce inflammation caused by oxidative stress, and lower
cholesterol levels and risk factors for cardiovascular problems.
The Pros and Cons of Antioxidant Supplements
Antioxidant supplements come in concentrated form. Like
every other form of antioxidants, they help to stabilize free radicals, which
can lead to early symptoms of aging and disease. In addition, your body
naturally produces free radicals when you exercise and digest food, and
antioxidants can help you against them.
The most commonly used antioxidant supplements include
vitamins C, E, and A and beta-carotene. Antioxidant vitamins have slowly become a popular way of improving diet and preventing
oxidation, but how beneficial are they to your health?
The Pros of Antioxidant Supplements
- Antioxidant supplements are beneficial because they help
neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage.
- Since free radicals have been linked to conditions such as
heart disease and cancer, antioxidant supplements can be beneficial in helping
to reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
- Antioxidant supplements can help your body fight the
effect of oxidants by providing the missing vitamins and carotenoids in your
daily diet.
- Antioxidants play a role in preventing cancer by
neutralizing carcinogens, which can cause DNA damage that leads to cell growth
and tumors.
- Antioxidants also help decrease inflammation by reducing
oxidative stress on your cells and tissues.
The Cons of Antioxidant Supplements
- While vitamin E supplements can help protect your heart by
reducing inflammation. They may also increase your risk of bleeding or stroke
if taken in high doses over long periods.
- Research has shown that taking beta-carotene or vitamin E
antioxidant supplements increases the risk of people with already existing
heart conditions.
- There is an increase in lung cancer in smokers who take
beta-carotene supplements.
- Antioxidant supplements may lower the effectiveness of
other medications or supplements.
- Although vitamin E antioxidant supplements help to protect
your heart, they may also increase your risk of bleeding and stroke.
Safety Concerns
The safety of antioxidant vitamins in high doses and over
extended periods has yet to be fully established, so it is essential to only
take the recommended dosage. It would be best to tell your doctor about all
your medications and natural health products during a regular medical checkup.
In addition, you should always consult your doctor before taking any new
supplements.
Taking high doses of antioxidant supplements can lead to
toxicity and overdose. You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach
pain. In addition, some people might experience an allergic reaction to
antioxidants, such as hives (itchy bumps), rash (redness or blotches on your
skin), itching, or difficulty breathing.
These symptoms may occur if you are allergic to vitamin A, often
found in supplements like cod liver oil. You should contact your doctor
immediately if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Antioxidant supplements are a great way to help your body
stay healthy. However, some antioxidants may not be safe for pregnant and
breastfeeding women, as high doses can harm the developing fetus or newborn.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should thus check with their doctor before
taking any antioxidant supplement.
Start Your Journey to Healthy Living
Antioxidants help protect the body from the damage caused by
free radicals and unstable molecules that can cause cells to age and lead to
disease development.
A balanced diet and cultivating a healthy lifestyle can help
you maintain optimal antioxidant levels and protect your body against chronic
diseases. In addition, individuals can promote overall health and well-being
with regular exercise, good sleep, and managing stress levels.
Antioxidant vitamins can be a healthy addition to your diet. They can help prevent disease and aging. If you're interested in infusing antioxidant vitamins into your diet, talk to your doctor to know if it is safe to take these supplements.
Erin Gregory is a blogger in Toronto. She is currently
working as a Community Manager for several small businesses. She has graduated
with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in
Business Administration and Creative Writing. When not working, she
eagerly shares her wealth of knowledge about all things health and business
solutions. Erin's unique insight and expertise makes for powerful content.
