- natural antioxidant food supplements they help fight free radicals by counteracting cellular aging. Let's find out better.
> The properties
> The main antioxidants
> Antioxidant supplements
Carrots, a source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, important antioxidants
What are antioxidants
Antioxidants are all those substances capable of interfering with the chemical oxidation reactions that give rise to the so-called free radicals.
I free radicals they are the result of normal metabolic processes and some immune reactions, and can damage cellular structures (including our DNA). To counteract their action as they are released, the body has a series of defense mechanisms at its disposal, but when the production of free radicals exceeds the capabilities of these protective systems, the body is exposed to high oxidative stress.
The body is able to autonomously synthesize some metabolic products such as glutathione, ubiquinol (or coenzyme Q) and the hormone melatonin, but a high proportion of antioxidant substances must be integrated through proper integration and nutrition.
Properties of antioxidants
Antioxidants counteract:
- Cellular aging
- They support the immune system
- Cellular degeneration due to excessive smoking, pollution, incorrect diet (including intolerances), drug abuse, emotional stress, consumption of alcohol and additives, pesticides.
Main antioxidants
The main antioxidants are:
- Ascorbic acid or vitamin C. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants: strengthens the immune system, is useful in the treatment of infections and respiratory problems. Furthermore, it protects against cancer, chronic stress, provides heart support, helps with arthritis problems, delays cellular aging by keeping tissues young, facilitates the healing of fractured bones and wounds and is useful in the treatment of anemia. .
- Tocopherols or Vitamin E. The main function of Vitamin E is to protect our body from cardiovascular disease. It reduces the amount of bad cholesterol, increasing the levels of the good one. It is also a natural blood thinner and reduces the risk of ictus. Improves concentration, prevents cancer, improves lung function, relieves symptoms associated with menopause, arthritis pain and strengthens the immune system.
Antioxidants help keep the immune system healthy - find out about other remedies
- carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene) and vitamin A. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that belongs to the carotenoid group. In many cases, it is converted in our body into vitamin A. It is considered an important antioxidant, useful in fighting cancer and heart disease. It helps raise good cholesterol levels, improves eyesight, rehabilitates damaged mucous membranes in the body (especially gastrointestinal) and strengthens the immune system. The lycopene belongs to the group of carotenoids and is best known for protecting against prostate cancer. It prevents the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood vessel walls and protects the skin from sun damage. There lutein is known primarily for the treatment and prevention of vision problems and to the eyes, since it is an integral part of the retina.
- I polyphenols (flavonoids, resvetarol). Flavonoids are found mainly in foods that also contain vitamin C: together they form a strong and stable antioxidant structure, excellent for strengthening the immune system, treating allergies, respiratory problems, infections and inflammatory diseases, cooperating in the prevention of cancer, and prevent heart disease.
- Selenium and Conzyme Q10. Selenium is great anti-inflammatory and helps our body detoxify accumulated toxic minerals, improving the functioning of the pancreas. An excess of selenium is considered toxic, so the recommendation is not to overdo it. The Coenzyme Q10 it is naturally produced by our body; over the years, however, its production tends to decrease. This antioxidant helps balance diabetes, high blood pressure and aids in weight loss. In addition, it strengthens the heart muscle and prevents muscle aches.
Food supplements of antioxidants
Antioxidants are mainly contained in fruit and vegetables (five servings a day of organic fruit and vegetables provide more than enough to protect against free radicals).
The foods richest in antioxidants are:
- Blueberries and blackberries
- pomegranate
- Cabbage and Brussels sprouts
- Spinaci
- Beet
- Plums
- Grapefruit juice, orange juice, black grape juice
- Green tea
- Bacche di Goji e Bacche di Acaj
- Papaya
