You may have read or heard something about the health benefits of taking antioxidants from the internet or the TV.
However, do you know what antioxidants are and how they actually work? To start with let us describe what antioxidants are then we will examine some of the benefits that they can supply.
Every single second of every day, your body is under attack from free radicals.
Free radicals are the result of oxidative stress going on throughout your body.
They attack the regular cells of the human body, which over time could give way to any number of ailments or health problems.
First, antioxidants work on many cells of the body by notably slowing or preventing oxidative damage or damage by oxygen caused by substances labeled as free radicals.
If left unchecked, this damage can lead to cell dysfunction and the onset of problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Antioxidants can also build up the immune system and some research indicates that they can help reduce the chance of serious infections or cancer.
Simply, antioxidants work on the free radicals and work to stop them from damaging essential cells in the body.
Antioxidants are the body's defense against the ravages of free radicals.
It is usual to have free radicals in your body but when there are a lot of them, they will cause havoc on many important cells in the body.
Antioxidants are valuable dietary substances that include some well-known nutrients such as beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in addition to the trace metal Selenium.
When individuals come down with a cold, they drink more orange juice and take Vitamin C.
When we were little our parents told us to eat our carrots for our eyes.
These nutrients along with many others can help prevent damage from occurring and can aid in repairing any damage that has already taken place.
The body can manufacture a variety of antioxidants and others we can obtain from natural products or excellent quality nutritional supplements.
Sadly, as we mature our body requires antioxidants and their benefits more and more.
This is why many older individuals augment their eating habits with foods rich in antioxidants or antioxidant dietary supplements.
Regardless of whether or not you know what an antioxidant is, you need them.
If you are eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables you are already getting a good supply of antioxidants without really trying.
However, if you diet is not so good, then you should think about possibly taking a good quality antioxidant supplement to help protect your body from the damage of free radicals.