Antioxidants are substances that prevent the harmful action of free radicals on cells, which promote cell aging, DNA damage and the development of diseases such as cancer.Among the most well-known antioxidants is vitamin C, found in citrus fruits such as orange, pineapple and cashews.
Antioxidants can be found in natural foods, vitamin and mineral supplements, and in beauty and anti-aging creams, however, antioxidant supplements, as well as any other supplement, should be advised by the doctor or nutritionist.
- Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that look for electrons in nearby cells or molecules to stabilize.
- When these electrons are searched in cells.
- For example.
- They end up damaging their functioning.
- Which can also cause changes in DNA.
By reaching cholesterol molecules in the blood, for example, free radicals can stimulate the development of atherosclerosis, for example, which gradually leads to blockage of blood vessels.
However, free radicals will still exist in the body, even in healthy individuals, as they are the result of chemical reactions from the body.During breathing, for example, oxygen-free radicals occur, which are the most common in the body.
Antioxidants work by damaging the missing electron in free radicals, so they become stable molecules that do not reach cells or other molecules important to the body.
Thus, they help prevent problems such as
Diet is an important source of antioxidants and can also influence the rise of free radicals.A balanced diet provides more antioxidants than it stimulates the production of free radicals, contributing to health and delaying aging.
There are two types of antioxidants:
By having a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole foods, it is possible to obtain good amounts of exogenous antioxidants, which will help maintain health and prevent aging.
Examples of antioxidant foods include tomatoes, steel, orange, strawberry, grapes, cabbage, water rolls, broccoli, carrots, chia and flaxseeds, Brazil nuts and cashews.Check out the list of the best antioxidants.
Antioxidants can also be found in nutritional supplements and anti-aging cosmetics.Examples of antioxidant-rich remedies include multivitamin supplements, omega-3 supplements, vitamin C supplements and beta-carotene supplements.Learn more about antioxidants in capsules.
In cosmetics, antioxidants are mainly used to prevent premature aging, these products often use more than one type of antioxidant, often combined with collagen, as this increases their skin benefits.
It is important to remember that antioxidant supplementation should be done on the advice of your doctor or nutritionist, and that a healthy diet is necessary to obtain the beneficial effects of antioxidants.