All About Antioxidants

Take this.This contains antioxidant.Take that.That contains antioxidant.
Eat this.Eat that. All about ANTIOXIDANTS !
Well, well, well, what is the hype all about?
What is actually an antioxidant?

• An antioxidant is defined as a molecule that inhibits oxidation of other molecules.Fresh fruits and vegetables have plenty of antioxidants that protect our body from heart diseases and cancers and also help in repairing damaged cells of our body.Antioxidants include various nutrients like beta carotene,Vitamin C, Vitamin E,Lutein, Lycopene and Selenium.They neutralize free radicals.

How do antioxidants work?

• Just like a piece of cut apple turns brown due to oxidation when kept in room temperature, antioxidants act against free radicals in our body.If we apply some orange juice ( rich in antioxidants ) on the cut area of the apple, it prevents the apple from browning.This is actually what goes on in our body also. Free radicals are like the small cracks and potholes on a road.The antioxidants works against them by filling out the uneven surface.

If antioxidants are already present in our body, why do we have to supplement them?

• Antioxidants work against free radicals by oxidizing itself. Hence there is a need for replenishing the antioxidant levels in our body.Moreover, the level of antioxidants  in our body decline with age.Hence it is important to supplement it with food stuffs containing them.

What are the advantages of antioxidants in our body?

• Antioxidants help in preventing Cancer,hearing loss, heart diseases,treating brain injuries,stroke, etc., It helps to improve the body's immunity and thus prevent the risks of infection.

What are the applications of antioxidants?

• Antioxidants are present in various dietary supplements,as preservatives in food and also in fat based cosmetics like moisturizers and lipsticks

False belief about antioxidants?

• That it increases life expectancy

What are the various sources of antioxidants in food?

• Fruits like Oranges, Red Grapes, Cherries, berries and raisins.
• Vegetables like Beetroot, Onions,Eggplant,Spinach and Corn, 
• Eggs, Meat and Nuts.

Note: It is better not to go for dietary supplements for antioxidants. Instead, go natural and grab a carrot.