Today there is a lot to hear about the antioxidant. What does this mean and what does it eat with? Translated from Latin, this word is deciphered: “anti” - against, “oxys” - sour, that is, in the literal sense - “antioxidant”. What are the health benefits?
Oxidation is a destructive process for any substance. It occurs under the influence of active oxygen particles - free radicals. Rotting leaves, rust, disease and old age are all the results of oxidative reactions. Not only the external environment, but also the human body itself constantly synthesizes them - up to two hundred billion molecules per day. But in nature, everything is natural, so an antioxidant helps to resist destruction. What is it - a panacea for all problems? No, but this is a great way to slow down the aging process, prevent disease.
Types of Antioxidants
1. Natural
Contained in certain foods. Natural antioxidants are berries, fruits, nuts, vegetables, as they contain natural vitamins E and C, carotenoids, selenium. The fruits and plants of red-orange, blue-black colors possess the greatest antioxidant properties. Among them are the leaders: motley beans, currants, raspberries, cranberries, prunes, nuts, apples, cherries, blueberries, carrots, garlic, natural coffee and red wine.
2. Synthetic
Synthetic - means artificial, that is, drugs, food additives (E 300-399). Unlike natural ones, they do not bring benefits to the human body, they can cause various diseases. Their main task is to slow down the rate of oxidation of products, to increase the shelf life of goods. Therefore, do not get involved in convenience foods, canned goods from the store.
What is the antioxidant afraid of?
Scientists have long researched the antioxidant. That it is an easily destructible substance, there is scientific evidence. Particularly fatal to him: smoking, abuse of tanning, alcohol, living in a gassed area, inadequate stay in the fresh air, illness, age over fifty years. It is better to get rid of your bad habits, to lead a healthy lifestyle. If the situation is incorrigible, then it is necessary to take an increased dose of antioxidants, possibly even in a dosage form (as directed by a doctor).
Rules for taking antioxidants
Remember what you need:
- Regularly add a variety of foods to your diet: fresh, bright vegetables, fruits, nuts, and occasionally a glass of real red wine.
- Do not abuse them, do not constantly use cosmetics containing an antioxidant. That it is too beneficial for the skin, rejuvenates it, there is no direct evidence. It is only known that it relieves inflammation, protects against ultraviolet radiation. And its excessive amount turns into a proxy, which only harms.
- Take only natural antioxidants, since artificial ones are the same as synthetic vitamins. Natural always protect the body better than the most fashionable synthetic composition.
So, an antioxidant is the best affordable way to protect your body. Recent studies have shown that free radicals are the main culprits of various pathologies in humans and animals. For example, cholesterol plaques, DNA damage, and cancers are directly related to free radicals.