Antioxidants And Functional Foods
“Antioxidants are substances which reduce oxidative stress and the production of free radicals in human which affects normal cell function and sometimes leads to cell death”
Antioxidants are nothing but vitamins, minerals, glutathione, phytochemicals, polyphenols etc. which can prevent diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, heart diseases, viral infections, neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease etc.
These substances reduce oxidative stress and the production of free radicals in humans which affects normal cell function and sometimes leads to cell death. For instance LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) oxidation appears to trigger the process of formation of blockages, which results in atherosclerosis and finally causes cardiovascular disease. Here are some antioxidants that provide us with numerous health benefits and also safeguard us against cellular damage and degenerative diseases.
Glutathion
This ‘master antioxidant’ has the ability of improving the functioning of all the other antioxidants, including vitamin C and E, CoQ1O, alpha-lipoic acid etc. These proteins provide all the essential key amino acids for glutathione synthesis. It can also be provided by curcumin which is a component found in turmeric, raw dairy products, grass-fed meat and eggs.
CoQ1O (Ubiquinone)
This substance is crucial for the human body after it gets converted into a broken down form called ubiquinol. It improves energy production, the immune system, nervous system and the health of our heart. Thus, ubiquinol supplementation is useful in many cases.
Aipha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Regenerates antioxidants, like vitamin C and E and glutathione. Yeast, liver, kidney, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes are good sources of alpha-lipoic acid.
Resveratrol
It can cross the blood-brain barrier and protect the brain and the nervous system. Grapes, vegetables, cocoa and red wine are the rich sources of resveratrol.
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Carotenoids
These organic pigments are found in peppers, kiwi, maize, grapes, squash, oranges, egg yolk etc. It provides health benefits by decreasing the risk of certain cancers and eye diseases.
Polyphenols
It helps in lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes, glaucoma and high cholesterol. Regular consumption of organic green tea and tulsi tea provides this antioxidant in large amounts.
Phytochemicals
These plant compounds reduce inflammation and eliminate carcinogens from the body. Berries like blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and raspberries contain powerful phytochemicals that inhibit the DNA binding of certain carcinogens. Green leafy vegetables are loaded with powerful phytochemicals.
Vitamins
The vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D and vitamin A can act as effective antioxidants. Grapes, berries, pomegranate, orange, guava, avocado, tofu, nuts, oil seeds, fish, mushrooms, dairy products and eggs contain an ample amount of these antioxidants.