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What Are Antioxidants?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

The prefix "anti" means against, in opposition to, or corrective in nature. In order to understand antioxidants, it helps to learn what exactly these agents oppose and correct.

Within the human body, millions of processes are occurring at all times. These processes require oxygen. Unfortunately, that same life giving oxygen can create harmful side effects, or oxidant substances, which cause cell damage and lead to chronic disease.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Oxidants, commonly known as "free radicals," are also introduced through external sources such as exposure to the sun or pollution. Other mediums include stress, as well as things that people put into their bodies, such as alcoholic beverages, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke.

In much the same way as oxidation creates rust, causing a breakdown on the surface of inanimate objects, oxidation inside the body causes a breakdown of cells. Free radicals produced by this breakdown attack healthy cells, usually DNA as well as proteins and fats. This chain of events weakens immunological functions as well as speeding up the aging process, and is also linked to several diseases such as cataracts, various forms of cancer, and heart disease. Some studies indicate possible links to arthritis and several other chronic conditions.

Antioxidants, or anti-oxidation agents, reduce the effect of dangerous oxidants by binding together with these harmful molecules, decreasing their destructive power. These agents can also help repair damage already sustained by cells.

Carrots contain antioxidants.
Carrots contain antioxidants.

Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. The most commonly recognized of these naturally occurring antioxidants are Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione. Superoxide Dismutase changes the structure of oxidants and breaks them down into hydrogen peroxide. Catalase in turn, breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and tiny oxygen particles or gasses. Glutathione is a detoxifying agent, which binds with different toxins to change their form so that they are able to leave the body as waste.

Vitamin C, which can be found in most citrus fruits, is an antioxidant vitamin.
Vitamin C, which can be found in most citrus fruits, is an antioxidant vitamin.

Other antioxidant agents are found in foods, such as dark green, leafy vegetables. Items high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene are believed to be the most beneficial. These nutrients are commonly found in fruits and vegetables, those with the strongest colors being healthiest. Orange and red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots are examples. Consuming antioxidant-rich Supergreens is another simple way to reset your system and start living a healthier life.

Choosing raw fruits and vegetables rather than cooked, provides the highest concentration and best absorption. Dietary supplements are also available for those that do not consume enough antioxidant-producing foods.

Discussion Comments

anon992395

Is melatonin an antioxidant?

anon291235

Interesting and informative article. I've always tried to eat healthy, though I never knew to much about antioxidants. I then got talking to a friend who is something of a nutritional expert who is very enthusiastic about them. I did a little of my own research and came across a website that recommends a couple of antioxidant products which I then started using.

They really do work. I started to feel healthier and full of energy almost immediately. I found it easier to keep the weight off also. I would strongly recommend them to anyone.

anon163049

what is the mode of action of polypherols in human body?

anon135683

How and where can l buy the roasting oil with antioxidants? I am more interested in making potato crisps. Keep on teaching us about health.

anon100173

use USANA's antioxidants. They are the best, in terms of bioavailability and pharmaceutical grade.

anon68958

is green lemon tea good for you, as in antioxidants?

anon33840

What is enzogenol & how is it's ORAC value compared to *grape seed extract*?

anon1152

There are antioxidants in dark chocolate as well i believe. As well as cocoa phenol that help to lower blood pressure, it also contains monosaturated fat (olive oil) that is actually good for your health and body.

anon314

how would you account for the boiavailability of antioxidants

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    • Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
      By: martinlee
      Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
    • Carrots contain antioxidants.
      By: Dionisvera
      Carrots contain antioxidants.
    • Vitamin C, which can be found in most citrus fruits, is an antioxidant vitamin.
      By: volff
      Vitamin C, which can be found in most citrus fruits, is an antioxidant vitamin.
    • Antioxidants can help cigarette smokers detoxify their bloodstreams.
      By: Mr Korn Flakes
      Antioxidants can help cigarette smokers detoxify their bloodstreams.
    • Spinach is high in antioxidants.
      By: margo555
      Spinach is high in antioxidants.
    • Blueberries are high in antioxidants.
      By: Lori L. Stalteri
      Blueberries are high in antioxidants.
    • Red tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a potent antioxidant that can help neutralize excess free radicals in the body.
      By: hitdelight
      Red tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a potent antioxidant that can help neutralize excess free radicals in the body.
    • Dark purple berries, as well as blue and red berries, are high in antioxidants.
      By: Michael Flippo
      Dark purple berries, as well as blue and red berries, are high in antioxidants.
    • Green tea, whether brewed or taken as a supplement, is packed with antioxidant polyphenols.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Green tea, whether brewed or taken as a supplement, is packed with antioxidant polyphenols.