Antioxidants are substances in the human body which clean it from free radicals. Some key vitamins and minerals act as antioxidants. The most important dietary antioxidants include vitamin A and betacarotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, riboflavin, copper, manganese, zinc
Free radicals are unstable molecules that carry negative electrical charge in the form of spare electrons. They lose their charges in process, known as oxidation. During oxidation free radicals pass the spare electrons they carry to other molecules and cell structures. Oxidation can have some damaging results.
Proteins, fats, cell membranes and DNA structures in our bodies are constantly attacked by free radicals. Everyday, in our body there are about 10 000 free radical oxidations. The following diseases and conditions have been associated with oxidation of free radicals:
- hardening of the arteries
- coronary heart disease
- deteriorating vision due to cataracts and macular degeneration
- premature skin ageing
- chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- deteriorated immunity
- poor sperm count and poor sperm quality
- congenital birth defects
- cancer
Our bodies produce free radicals all the time. Here are some of the causes for their appearance:
- common metabolic reactions
- muscle contraction during exercise
- smoking
- excessive consummation of alcohol
- exposure to environmental pollutants
- exposure to x-rays
- exposure to UVA sunlight, especially if sunburned
- usage of some medicines, and particularly antibiotics or paracetamol
The vitamins and minerals that act as antioxidants are the main protection of the body against free radicals. They neutralize the negative charges carried by free radicals before they are passed to other body structures. There are many products and supplements which contain antioxidants are available on the market. They can also help to fight the free radicals produces in the body.