Antioxidant - what is it?

Today, there are many places where one can hear about the antioxidant. What does this mean and what does it eat? Translated from Latin, this word stands for "anti" - against, "oxys" - sour, that is, in the literal sense - "antioxidant". What is the use of health?

Oxidation is a destructive process for any substance. It occurs under the influence of active oxygen particles - free radicals. Foliage rot, rust, disease and old age are all the results of oxidative reactions. Not only the external environment, but also the human body itself constantly synthesizes them - up to two hundred billion molecules a day. But in nature everything is natural, so antioxidant helps to resist destruction. What is it - a panacea for all problems? No, but it's a wonderful way to slow down the aging process, prevent disease.

Types of antioxidants

1. Natural

Contained in certain food products. Natural antioxidants are berries, fruits, nuts, vegetables, as they contain natural vitamins E and C, carotenoids, selenium. The greatest antioxidant properties are fruits and plants of red-orange, blue-black colors. Among them are: motley beans, currants, raspberries, cranberries, prunes, nuts, apples, cherries, carrots, garlic, natural coffee and red wine.

2. Synthetic

Synthetic means artificial, ie, medicinal preparations, food additives (E 300-399). Unlike natural they do not bring benefits to the human body, can cause various diseases. Their main task is to slow down the oxidation rate of products, increase the shelf life of goods. Therefore, do not get involved in semi-finished products, canned food from the store.

What is antioxidant afraid of?

Scientists have long investigated the antioxidant. That this is an easily degradable substance, there is scientific evidence. Particularly harmful to him: smoking, abuse of sunburn, alcohol, living in a gassy area, inadequate exposure to fresh air, illness, age over 50 years. It is better to get rid of your bad habits, to lead a healthy lifestyle. If the situation is incorrigible, then it is necessary to take an increased dose of antioxidants, perhaps even in a dosage form (according to the doctor's prescription).

Rules for the intake of antioxidants

Remember that you need:

• Regularly add to your diet a variety of foods: fresh bright vegetables, fruits, nuts, occasionally - a glass of real red wine.
• Do not abuse them, do not use constantly cosmetics containing an antioxidant. That it is too useful for the skin, rejuvenates it, there is no direct evidence. It is known only that it removes inflammation, protects against ultraviolet radiation. And its excessive amount turns into a proxy, which only harms.
• Take only natural antioxidants, since artificial - this is the same as synthetic vitamins. Natural is always better to protect the body than the most fashionable synthetic compound.

So, the antioxidant is the best available way to protect your body. Recent research has shown that free radicals are the main culprits of various pathologies in humans and animals. For example, cholesterol plaques, DNA damage, cancers are directly related to free radicals.