Antioxidant means the agent that works against oxidation.
They are natural biochemical agents that protect living cells against damage and oxidation from free radicals.
If this oxidation damage is left uncontrolled it can lead to cellular death and degeneration which in turn will lead to premature aging, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other illnesses.
Free radicals that cause this oxidative damage are naturally formed in the body due to normal metabolic process.
But there are also the free radicals whose source is external.
Modern day environmental pollution and stressful life adds to the presence of free radicals.
This causes accelerated damage to cells.
Antioxidants are present in the food we intake.
But it is not always sufficient hence supplementation is required for everyone.
However extra supplementation of antioxidants will be required if you smoke cigarettes or exposed to secondary smoke, exposed to chemical pollutants, subjected to high dosages o f ultra violet rays from sun or overall lead a stressful life.
The modern day chemical farming has ensured that food chain by itself is the biggest source of this oxidative free radicals.
There are various types of antioxidants.
A brief list of antioxidants is as below.
Amino acids: These are basically protein molecules.
Cysteine, glutathione, methionine and taurine are the important antioxidants belonging to amino acid category.
Carotenoids: Alpha and beta carotene (normally found in red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables), lycopene (found in red fruits like tomato).
Dietary Sources: Cayenne pepper, garlic and turmeric are one of the best source of free radical scavenging antioxidants.
Herbs: Astragalus, bilberry, ginkgo, green tea, milk thistle and sage belong to this type.
Minerals: Copper, manganese, zinc and selenium are the best menral antioxidants.
Vitamins: the Vitamins A, B2, C and E the antioxidants belonging to the vitamins category.
Hormone: There are also hormone based antioxidants.
Melatonin is the important antioxidant in this category.
Now that you have a fair idea of the type of source of antioxidants ensure that you get your maximum dosage to lead a healthy and prolonged life.