Antioxidant Processes

Antioxidants and Affect on Health

So where do you find anti-oxidants?

Benefits of Antioxidant

Antioxidant Processes

Two forms of chemical reactions, oxidation and reduction, occur widely in nature. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons. Oxidation and reduction reactions always occur in pairs, i.e., when one atom or molecule is oxidized, another is reduced. Highly reactive molecules can oxidize molecules (i.e., remove electrons from molecules) that were previously stable, and may cause them to become unstable species, such as free radicals. Some of Harmful free radicals are generated in the body during normal metabolism and upon exposure to environmental insults such as :

 When harmful free radicals are not neutralized by the body's primary and secondary defense mechanisms, an excess of harmful radicals exists. Thus, if the generation of harmful radicals has exceeded the body's or cell's capacity to effectively neutralize these radicals, then these harmful radicals will damage vital proteins, lipids and DNA. Therefore, we need antioxidants to ensure that our defense mechanisms for neutralizing harmful radicals will not be exceeded. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between higher intakes or higher blood concentrations of certain antioxidants and a lower incidence of certain degenerative diseases. Clinical studies have also shown that supplemental levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin C and b -carotene) reduce an individual's risk for certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, a protective relationship has been shown between cancer risk and fruit and vegetable consumption (the major source of antioxidant nutrients).

Antioxidants and Affect on Health

Vitamin E and the carotenoids are the principal lipid-soluble antioxidants The function of antioxidant nutrients in the body is quite varied. Antioxidants effect cell differentiation and proliferation, block nitrosamine formation, stimulate the immune response, help maintain the integrity of cell membranes and matrixes, and aid in the maintenance of normal DNA repair. It is currently believed that antioxidants do not act alone, but rather carry out their protective effects by using various combinations of antioxidant defense mechanisms. For example, when vitamin E neutralizes a harmful radical, vitamin E is recycled back to its original form by interacting with vitamin C. Vitamin C is recycled by interacting with another antioxidant such as glutathione. Recycling is just one mechanism the body uses to maintain and adequate supply of antioxidants. Our knowledge of the effect of this recycling and other interplay mechanisms within the antioxidant defense systems is far from complete. However, evidence gathered to date suggest that these antioxidant nutrients must be constantly replenished through different sources.

Some of symptoms of ageing are signs of free radical damage. When cell membranes are attacked by free radicals they either become hardened so that nutrients cannot get into the cells, or they may be punctured so that the cell collapses as the cell fluid drains out. In the skin this leads to skin which is leathery or wrinkled and sagging; in the joints this causes the synovial fluid to lose its lubricating quality and cause stiffness, in cells it may damage the DNA causing inappropriate cell division and the possibility of cancer, etc. If capillaries have fragile walls, this can lead to fluid retention and all the misery that entails.

So where do you find anti-oxidants?

The main sources are fresh fruit and vegetables. This is part of the reason we are now being urged to eat more of these vital substances.

Food Sources Important sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwifruit, papaya, and vegetables such as red peppers, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.

Food Sources The best sources of vitamin E are certain vegetable oils (including wheat germ oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil, and almond oil), wheat germ, whole grain cereals, and eggs. Care is necessary for the patient who are on anticoagulants.

Good sources of selenium include organ meats and seafood.

Benefits of Antioxidant:

The protective role of the combinations of nutrients in fruits and vegetables is responsible for reduction in risk and treatment, whereas a single component is ineffective.For cardiovascular risk, β-carotene and vitamin E appear to modify the oxidation of LDL-C, making it less atherogenic, and vitamin C appears to reduce hypertension. These effects combine to reduce risk of CVD.The carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C are implicated in the maintenance of ocular function, and vitamins C and E appear to offer some protection against asthma. However the research is underway to clarify the benefits provided by antioxidant supplements.

Different antioxidants work in different areas of the body, so the key is to eat as wide a range of antioxidants as possible. This means eating fruit and vegetables of different types and different colours. Also meat and sea food for the complete anti-oxidant natural supplementation.

We recommend that all individuals strive to achieve an antioxidant intake that at least meets RDA levels. In addition, the potential benefits of higher doses should be emphasized. For vitamin C, supplements of 500 to 2,000 mg/day may be recommended for the prevention of cancer and respiratory disorders, and the treatment of the common cold. Vitamin C is best when taken in divided doses throughout the day. Patients taking vitamin E should be advised that supplements of at least 100 mg/day are necessary to achieve cardiovascular benefits.Selenium is beneficial in doses up to 200 mcg/day to maximize antioxidant potential.

It is best to take antioxidants together. For example, vitamin C renews the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E. Finally, synthetic carotene supplements should be avoided, particularly by smokers. Patients are advised to consume 5 to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to achieve recommended carotenoid intake.

If you really feel you can't do this for some reason, or your stress factors are so high that you need some additional help, then buy an antioxidant supplement.