What is an antioxidant?
Posted on 22. Aug, 2011 by admin in MonaVie EMV
A brown apple core, a green penny and a rusty fence give you a glimpse into the chemical reactions that are occurring inside your body. Oxidation occurs when an atom loses an electron. This process creates a free radical. This atom is unstable and dangerous because it grabs an electron from another atom to replace the electron it lost. This triggers a domino effect as other free radicals seize electrons. Your healthy cells are transformed into battlefield casualties that aren’t able to do their job. This eventually affects your body’s organs and systems.
The most dramatic example of oxidation is combustion reactions, such as burning leaves. Combustion, or oxidation, occurs in your body when your cells metabolize fuel. It’s normal to have some free radicals in your body, but if this is problematic if it overwhelms your ability to neutralize them. Free radicals cause oxidative stress when they attack and damage your cell’s membrane and DNA.
Oxidative stress has been linked to premature aging, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and several other chronic diseases. Risk factors include stress, exposure to ultraviolet light and toxins, such as pesticides, x-rays, tobacco smoke, alcohol, vigorous exercise and the byproducts of your body’s metabolism.
Antioxidants, as implied by the name, are compounds that can counter the effects of oxidation. These molecules inhibit and neutralize the effects of free radicals. This interaction oxidizes the antioxidants. This is why you need to continually supply your body with antioxidants.
Major categories of antioxidants include vitamins, minerals and enzymes, proteins that facilitate chemical reactions. Examples of antioxidants include beta carotene, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, lutein, lycopene, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and several other substances. The body synthesizes glutathione and CoQ10, but their levels diminish with age and the use of various medications. Antioxidants are found in a wide assortment fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices and herbs. Examples include pomegranates, black beans, artichokes, dark chocolate, oat grains, green tea and walnuts.
Each antioxidant has a different role in fighting oxidation. Vitamin E protects the cell membrane and prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Vitamin C mops up free radicals in cells and other fluid environments. It also assists Vitamin E and produces a stable for Vitamin E. Beta-carotene also works in watery environment. You can protect your body from oxidative stress with antioxidants.
