Antioxidant

Antioxidants are compounds in foods that neutralise free radicals. Oxidation in the human body produces chemicals called ‘free radicals’. These chemicals have been linked to diseases such as heart and liver disease and cancer. The process of oxidation in the human body damages cell membranes and other structures including cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. When oxygen is metabolised, it creates ‘free radicals’ which steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage. The body can cope with some free radicals and needs them to function effectively. However, an overload of free radicals has been linked to certain diseases, including heart disease, liver disease and some cancers. Oxidation can be accelerated by stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol, sunlight, pollution and other factors.

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The effect of free radicals

Some of the degenerative conditions caused by free radicals include:

1. Deterioration of the eye lens, which contributes to blindness.
2. Inflammation of the joints (arthritis).
3. Damage to nerve cells in the brain, which contributes to conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Acceleration of the ageing process.
5. Increased risk of coronary heart disease, since free radicals encourage low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to adhere to artery walls.
6. Certain cancers, triggered by damaged cell DNA.

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 The disease-fighting antioxidants

Diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers. Antioxidants scavenge the free radicals from the body cells, and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.

The protective effect of antioxidants continues to be studied around the world. For instance, men who eat plenty of the antioxidant lycopene (found in tomatoes) may be less likely than other men to develop prostate cancer. Lutein, found in spinach and corn, has been linked to a lower incidence of eye lens degeneration and associated blindness in the elderly. Flavonoids, such as the tea catechins found in green tea, are believed to contribute to the low rates of heart disease in Japan.

Antioxidants can also slow some of the physical signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles and preserving skin’s natural “glow”. Some studies also suggest that antioxidant supplements helpprotect skin from sun damage. Research found a mixture of beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein – three potent antioxidants – taken for three months also reduced incidence of mild sunburn.

[Source: http://furleybioextracts.com.my]