IT’S ALL ABOUT ANTIOXIDANTS

The word antioxidant is very commonly and regularly read and written about subject these days. This is a very concise form of information about antioxidants.

The word “anti” means against something. Here the word “antioxidants” means “against oxidation”. As oxidation of a metal causes rusting the same way oxidation in the body may be harmful. This otherwise life supporting oxygen causes harmful effects when it causes oxidation of DNA as well as proteins and fats. In this case it becomes a must to stop this unwanted oxidation in the body. This may lead to chronic diseases. 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. 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. Antioxidants can also help repair damage already sustained by cells. 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 colours being healthiest. Orange and red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots are examples. Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged.

VITAMIN A:- This vitamin is found in all brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. For ex:-papaya, mangoes, carrots, coloured capsicum, tomato, broccoli, peach, apricots.

VITAMIN E:-  A fat soluble vitamin present in nuts, seeds, vegetable and fish oils, whole grains (esp. wheat germ), fortified cereals, and apricots.

VITAMIN C: - Ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.

BETA CAROTENE:- is a precursor to vitamin A (retinol) and is present in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomato, cantaloupe, peaches, and grains. Because beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body there is no set requirement.

In short if one opts for eating fresh fruits and vegetables, good amounts of milk and milk products, nuts, it is easy to get required amounts of antioxidants.