Antioxidants

Antioxidants are products or substances that have been known to prevent cell damage that eventually leads to disease. Such cell damage naturally occurs through bodily processes or exposure to chemicals in our environment.

Antioxidants are found naturally in a variety of foods but because many individuals do not receive the proper nutritionally levels from their daily dietary intake, supplements are available. Antioxidant-rich supplements, such as selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, have been linked to improved health and the prevention of many common diseases.

So how exactly do antioxidants work? Oxidation is a naturally occurring chemical process within the body. It produces charged molecules that have the ability to damage cells. This process occurs each time the body uses food or stores nutrients. Free radicals may also be produced when the body comes into contact with certain environmental elements, such as radiation. They can also cause cell damage, known as oxidative stress, which is connected to a wide variety of damage throughout the body such as bone, tissue joint and organ deterioration, and a decline in the immune system. Such damage may eventually lead to the development of certain diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and more.

Although the body naturally produces some antioxidants, certain supplements may be considered in order to improve overall health. For instance, coenzyme Q10, which has been linked to the prevention and treatment of diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and other health problems, is taken by man individuals in order to compensate for the lack of naturally produced antioxidants.

In addition to serving as a defense against the development of certain serious disease, many individuals conceptualize antioxidants as a way of combating the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and brown spots. Even more, the same antioxidants found in olive oil, fruit, fish and leafy greens have been known to protect against melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Additionally omega-3 fatty acids, concentrated in fish oil, have helped to keep skin elastic, plump and smooth. In other words, these antioxidants help prevent wrinkles by preventing oxidation that breaks down cells within the skin.

The following are common types of antioxidants and selected benefits:

Coenzyme Q10

• prevents conditions related to chest pain, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure
• treats disease, diabetes and chronic fatigue syndrome

Vitamin C

• improves weight loss
• regulates blood pressure
• prevents early aging, arthritis, cancer and heart disease

Vitamin E

• improves cholesterol levels
• prevents blood clots that lead to heart attack, cataracts, macular degeneration, and degenerative cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease

Selenium

• prevents heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer
• improves immune system functioning

There are many products out there that do contain high levels of antioxidants. For instance the following products are high in antioxidants and also have the following listed health benefits:

pomegranate

• helps treat atherosclerosis, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

red wine powder extract

• helps treat aging skin, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, heart disease, sun damage and varicose veins

resveratrol helps treat atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, coronary disease, inflammation, stroke and vascular disease

Many individuals do not receive proper amounts of these antioxidants from regular daily diet. Such individuals may benefit from adding supplements to their daily healthcare regimen. Before adding additional antioxidants to your diet, make sure to consult the benefits with your doctor. You will also want to discuss any medications you are taking.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. You should consult your physician before starting any new supplement, diet or fitness regimen.