The power of antioxidants

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Supplements containing antioxidants give the promises to the consumers to slow aging is undeniably irresistible. We can only conclude that the desire to avoid the effects of aging is a universal desire.

Vitamins that have been particularly noted for their antioxidant properties include Vitamins A, C, and E. Aside from the fact that these are a wound to the pocket, antioxidant products offer a delight to those who would like to look young in a flash. But how does this free-radical sponge really work?

Free radicals are molecular species that are highly reactive first identified by Moses Gomberg in 1900. They are known as “reactive oxygen species”, or ROS. As the cells produce energy (for function and survival), the also create oxygen molecules that are unstable because its electrons are unpaired. These unpaired electrons make this thing to be highly labile.

Free radicals are produced naturally by many cellular processes, but more importantly, their output can be greatly increased by exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, tobacco smoke and radiation. They may cause cell damage which may lead to a breakdown in your cells ability to function properly.

The best recipe for stopping the formation of free radicals and reducing the production of more of them is to have enough sleep(at least seven hours a day) and stay active, exercise and live right.

A lot of changes in our body are as a result of the activities of the free radicals. They damage the DNA and impair other vital functions of cells, causing premature death to these cells. Over time, all these damages would mount up and cause our body to accelerate aging.

Upon breathing, oxygen induces a process called oxidation. And it is in here where free radicals form. This process is likened to the oxidation of metals. Once oxidized, aluminum turns to be white, iron becomes rusty, and copper transforms into green. In the same logic that oxidation damages metals; free radicals are also detrimental to our body.

Antioxidants help to solve the problems listed above by mopping up the free radicals in the system, and having extra electrons that they are willing to give up to the free radicals, but the antioxidants do not become free radicals themselves in doing so.

Antioxidants are a class of nutrients that protect the body from damage caused by different factors, most importantly oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It helps preventing oxidation, may increase immune responses, and possibly decrease risk of infection and cancer.

Antioxidants are the knights in shining armour that subjugate the attack of free radicals in the body, the hazardous molecules that damage cells and procure aging and disease. They prevent glaucoma and the age-related degeneration of our macula, and fight the effects of free radical damage by boosting the skins natural protection.

As we get older, Glutathione – is said to be the most powerful antioxidants as are naturally present in our body since we were young is depleted. Supplements like Vitamin A, E, C and selenium, are known to be powerful antioxidants, plays an essential role in the synthesis of collagen.

Some super fruits such as blueberry and raspberry which are said to contain the most number of antioxidants, If antioxidant supplements are not your type.

Realizing why these antioxidants supplements cost a lot, as now you have the current understanding of how these miracle supplements work.

Haiyan Lai-Heskin has been a registered nurse for 16 years. She believes that to beat down the passing of the aging clock, you need the help of Antioxidants. Learn more about How Antioxidant Work…

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Topics: Nutrition | Comments Off

Tags: Nutrition

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MLA Style Citation:
Lai-Heskin, Haiyan "The power of antioxidants." The power of antioxidants. 29 Dec. 2008. uberarticles.com. 8 Feb 2012 <http://uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/nutrition/the-power-of-antioxidants/>.

APA Style Citation:
Lai-Heskin, H (2008, December 29). The power of antioxidants. Retrieved February 8, 2012, from http://uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/nutrition/the-power-of-antioxidants/

Chicago Style Citation:
Lai-Heskin, Haiyan "The power of antioxidants" uberarticles.com. http://uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/nutrition/the-power-of-antioxidants/

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