Antioxidants Unveiled: Your Cellular Bodyguards” – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
An antioxidant is a compound that fights reactive molecules called free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Vitamins are the most well-known nutrients that act as antioxidants.
A, C, and E, selenium, and the carotenoids beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Free radicals are released as by-products of normal metabolic processes in the body. However, some external exposures, such as air pollutants, chemicals, smoking,
UV rays, alcohol, pesticides, and fried foods also facilitate the production of free radicals.
Hello, health enthusiasts! Welcome back to our channel. Today, we are delving into the world of antioxidants – the tiny defenders that protect our cells from harm. The term “antioxidants” gets much attention in nutrition by doctors, dietitians, supplement companies, and social media. So grab your green or black tea (loaded with antioxidants), and let’s explore why these little warriors are essential for our well-being.
Now, let’s check what antioxidants are.
Antioxidants are like the body’s secret agents. They swoop to neutralise free radicals—those pesky troublemakers that can damage our cells. Picture them as the cç crusaders of your cellular world.
It is antioxidants that protects cells from the damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules made by oxidation during normal metabolism). Free radicals may play a part in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of ageing. Antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and E, and other natural and manufactured substances.
Here are, arguably, the top 5 antioxidants:
Glutathione. Glutathione is often called the “master antioxidant” for good reasons: it is our bodies’ most potent antioxidant! …
CoEnzyme Q10. …Vitamin E. …Selenium. …Dark Chocolate. …Pecans. …Blueberries. …Strawberries.
Now, the harmful free radicals formed in your body are unruly. These are born during normal processes (like breathing or digesting food) but also sneak in through lifestyle choices, smoking, sun exposure and bodybuilding). When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, chaos ensues—think of it as a tiny battle within your body.
They are the avengers of antioxidants.
Let’s meet our antioxidant dream team:
Vitamin C: This water-soluble superstar hangs out in citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts. It’s like a shield against free radicals, boosting your immune system and keeping your skin radiant.
Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and spinach, vitamin E is the stealthy ninja. It protects cell membranes and even moonlights as an anti-ageing agent.
Carotenoids: These colourful warriors—like beta-carotene (from carrots) and lycopene (from tomatoes)—paint your plate healthy. They’re eye-friendly and heart-happy.
Selenium: A trace mineral found in Brazil nuts (nature’s selenium bombs), it’s like the bodyguard for your thyroid gland.
Why Do We Need Them?
Cellular Chaos Control: Antioxidants prevent free radicals from turning your cells into a chaotic disco party. They keep your DNA intact and your mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouses) humming smoothly.
Heart Health Heroes: Antioxidants keep your ticker happy by reducing inflammation and protecting blood vessels. Think of them as heart-shaped confetti for your arteries.
How to Amp Up Your Antioxidant Game
Rainbow Diet: Eat the rainbow—literally. Fill your plate with vibrant fruits, veggies, and leafy greens. The more colours, the merrier!
Brew Some Tea: Green tea and its antioxidants (catechins) are like zen masters for your cells. Sip away, my friend.
Dark Chocolate Delight: Yes, you read that right. Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is a decadent source of antioxidants. Treat yourself—you deserve it!
Which fruit is the king of antioxidants?
Many fruits are high in antioxidants, packed with vitamins and beneficial in many ways. These include cranberries, red grapes, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, red currants, figs, cherries, pears, guava, oranges, apricots, mango, red grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon, papaya, and tomatoes.
Coffee is a rich source of dietary antioxidants, and this property, coupled with the fact that coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, has led to the understanding that coffee is a significant contributor to dietary antioxidant intake.
Now, let’s discuss oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body, leading to cell damage. When the body’s free radical load outweighs its antioxidant defences, oxidative stress can occur. This can lead to the development of diseases, including some cancers, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
So, it’s essential to provide your body with enough antioxidants to help prevent the progression of free radical damage.
We have already discussed foods that contain antioxidants. Lifestyle and dietary measures may help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Many people may consider taking antioxidant supplements due to the prevalence of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. However, studies suggest that high doses of synthetic antioxidants may increase the risk of certain cancers and other health issues.
Therefore, it’s best to get antioxidants from food sources. Fruits and, vegetables, and other plant foods contain vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
I understand the importance of consuming foods with antioxidants, and I want to ensure you also grasp this. Until we meet again, take care and goodbye for now.
Website: www.Doctorharold.com
