Antioxidants and antioxidants – where can we find the most of them?

Everyone’s body contains free radicals (oxidants) that cannot be eliminated. However, there are ways to reduce their amount. Help comes from antioxidants, which are the guardians of a youthful appearance. They have strong antioxidant properties and prevent the appearance of signs of ageing in the form of the hated wrinkles. Many factors contribute to the excessive production of free radicals, but you can neutralize their harmful effects by increasing the supply of antioxidants in your diet. They are found in many foods, and in addition, you can take antioxidant supplements.

What are antioxidants? What types are there?

Stress, an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise or excessive physical exertion, alcohol consumption, polluted air and intense sunbathing are enough to create large amounts of free radicals. These are severe problems as they wreak havoc throughout the body. This can be counteracted with the help of antioxidants. Several vitamins and minerals have antioxidant properties: vitamin C and E, vitamin A, selenium, zinc, copper, manganese and even Coenzyme Q10. There are many types of antioxidants. They have slightly different properties and perform different functions in the body. Non-enzymatic antioxidants include vitamins, coenzymes and carotenoids. Enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase are also found in the body. Antioxidant solid properties have polyphenols found in large quantities in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Antioxidants include beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene and glutathione.

Many people are unaware of what antioxidants do and their vital function in the body. If you want to maintain good health, you should increase the supply of foods that are rich in antioxidants. They are a natural and highly effective weapon in the fight against free radicals. In addition, oxidants are responsible for cellular ageing, which is visible in changes occurring in appearance. Unfortunately, many people do not have enough antioxidants in their diet, which hurts their appearance. As a result, signs of ageing begin to appear on the face, including wrinkles and several other skin changes.

How do antioxidants work?

The job of antioxidants is primarily to neutralize reactive oxygen or neutralize harmful free radicals. You can count on reducing oxidative stress, which contributes to the destruction of cells, proteins and even DNA. Antioxidants delay the ageing process, guarding a youthful appearance. If the body has more antioxidants than free radicals, you can count on maintaining health and well-being and reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants protect against Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and eye diseases. They have antimutagenic and anticancerogenic properties. They stimulate detoxification processes, which facilitates the cleansing of the body of accumulated toxins. Antioxidants are believed to prevent lipid peroxidation. They protect cell membranes, reduce inflammation and have an anti-allergic effect. They can even be counted on to chelate metal ions.

Depending on the type of antioxidant, it can inhibit or enhance enzymes. The body uses antioxidant compounds in many ways. They serve as preventive or synergistic agents, chain reaction breaking or chelating compounds, inhibitors, reducers, and oxygen quenchers. Many scientific studies confirm the protective properties of antioxidants. They reduce the risk of developing various diseases: cataracts, joint disorders, macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, asthma, sclerosis, bronchitis, etc. They protect against adverse environmental factors, cigarette smoke, toxins in food and drugs. Antioxidants support the regeneration of damaged cells and strengthen the immune system.

Antioxidant vitamins and various phytochemicals – in which products are they found?

Antioxidants are mainly found in fresh fruit and vegetables, but they can also be found in spices. The antioxidant bomb is inconspicuous cinnamon, which can be used in many ways. It positively affects glucose metabolism, aids digestion and improves the appearance of the skin. Turmeric, a powerful antioxidant, which reduces inflammation in the body, is also extremely valuable. The best results can be achieved by combining curcumin with piperine, increasing its assimilability. There are plenty of antioxidants in berries, especially in chokeberries. Blueberries, raspberries and currants should also not be missing from your diet. These fruits contain large doses of vitamin C, which has strong antioxidant properties.

Dark chocolate also contains a lot of antioxidants. The cocoa, or more precisely cocoa pulp, is responsible for this. The advantage of dark chocolate is that it provides quite a hefty dose of magnesium. In addition, cocoa has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, improves mood and protects against free radicals. It would help if you were also interested in dark grapes and red wine, which contain resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. On the list of spices full of antioxidants, micro-and macroelements are ginger. Peppers, nuts, green tea, grape seed oil, aloe vera are also recommended sources of antioxidants.