Super Health Benefits Of Antioxidants

Aging is big business, and today's market is flooded with products that blur the lines between healthcare, beauty and simple fads. Many of these products contain antioxidants to fight aging and promote wellness. We've learned about the benefits of antioxidants from marketing, but it's also important to understand what antioxidants are, and how they work.

Antioxidants are nutrients that occur naturally in the humans and fruits, vegetables and other plants. Our bodies need antioxidants in order to properly function. These are important nutrients that act as cell protectors and they maintain good health by slowing the destructive aging of cellular molecules.

With normal cellular function, cells produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These free radicals can cause further damage to the body by stealing vital components from other cellular molecules including protein, fat and DNA. When left unchecked, free radicals can cause a multitude of serious health concerns including cataracts, heart damage, cancer and a weak immune system.

One of the most important benefits of antioxidants is the ability to stabilize free radicals. With these stabilizing components, antioxidants can help to prevent widespread cellular destruction, reducing further damage to the system. Antioxidants can return to the surface level and steady the cells, instead of causing damage to other components.

Despite contradictions in research, studies on cats and dogs have shown that antioxidants can improve the immune responses and vaccine recognitions. This has been particularly useful in the vaccination of young animals that do not have fully developed immune systems.

Antioxidants have a significant function in older animals as well, reversing the reduction of immune cell functions. Studies have also shown that when a combination of many different antioxidants is given in average amounts, the effect can be greater than that of a single antioxidant given in a high level dose.

In the human body and plant life, naturally occurring antioxidants come in different forms. Vitamins A, C and E, and carotenoids including beta-carotene and lutein are familiar sources of antioxidants. These nutrients are the basis of our good health, especially beneficial in preventing heart disease as they block the spread of free radicals.

Vitamin E is a common source of antioxidants that protects us from cardiovascular disease by defending against LDL oxidation and artery-clogging plaque development. There have been numerous studies showing that antioxidants can also reduce the risk of cancer. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce rates of cancer of the larynx, mouth and esophagus.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are delicious options for boosting your antioxidant intake. Eat foods with bright and deep pigments, like tomatoes, red bell peppers, carrots and spinach. These foods provide the highest concentrations of this essential health booster.

There is no question that antioxidants provide many health benefits. But it's still not clear how, or if, antioxidant supplements should be taken. There is also a lack of proof of long-term consequences from taking mega-doses of antioxidants. While antioxidants occur naturally, they are chemicals and should caution must be used.

If you're thinking of boosting your health by boosting your antioxidant intake, make an appointment with your doctor today.


Author Myron Huett writes for several popular web magazines, on healthy diet and muscle fitness topics.