The Role of Antioxidants in Disease Prevention

Studies on antioxidants’ role in disease prevention grew increasingly prominent when studies demonstrated their protective benefits against cancer, aging and certain chronic illnesses such as heart disease. Antioxidants like vitamins C & E; beta-carotene; selenium & flavonoids; coenzyme Q10; lipoic acid; and phenolic compounds have all been proven to play important roles.

Free radicals

Free radicals are unstable, reactive molecules produced naturally by our body as by-products of metabolism or from exposure to toxic pollutants such as tobacco smoke and UV radiation. Free radicals have an extremely short lifespan and can damage cells, proteins, lipids and DNA if left unchecked; fortunately the body contains natural defence systems which help neutralize them such as antioxidants (chemicals which donate electrons without becoming themselves damaged), providing protection from oxidative stress and maintaining redox balance within itself.

Antioxidants can be found in many food and supplements, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes. Common antioxidants include Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene as well as phenolic compounds, selenium and flavonoids like Lutein and Resveratrol which act by maintaining normal cell cycle function, inhibiting tumor formation, inducing apoptosis in cells, inhibiting angiogenesis growth, decreasing inflammation levels and increasing phase II detoxification enzyme activity.

Foods rich in antioxidants have the power to prevent many serious diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and macular degeneration. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains is crucial for good health; however, supplements containing too many antioxidants may actually increase oxidative stress by blocking production of essential proteins, folic acid and B vitamins that support overall wellness.

Diets rich in whole foods containing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds provide the highest concentration of antioxidants. Avoidance of processed food and cigarette smoking can also greatly increase dietary antioxidant intake, while moderate exercise reduces oxidative stress by stimulating natural antioxidant production within our bodies – although it’s impossible to completely avoid oxidative stress, regular physical activity and eating balanced diets with plenty of natural antioxidants can help minimize its damage while contributing to longer lives and decreased disease risks. Fitness routines have also been associated with longer lifespan and lower risks among individuals as well as longer lifespan and decreased disease risk in general.

Diet

Oxidation, the chemical process responsible for damaging vital molecules like DNA and proteins in our bodies, can destroy vital molecules essential to life such as DNA and proteins that contribute to our processes, such as DNA repair. When damaged they lead to premature aging and disease. Our bodies’ defense system attempts to stop this damage by sending antioxidants through our bloodstream which neutralize free radicals by giving electrons back that help stabilize them against further oxidation. There are various kinds of antioxidants with various ways they combat free radicals; all help keep us healthy while protecting us against serious illnesses.

As part of an antioxidative diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables is key. Achieve this through eating whole food diets featuring fruits and veggies is the easiest way. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and more that your body needs – not only that but a balanced meal should include eggs nuts whole grains fish etc… The new MyPlate tool recommends people consume 1 1/2 cups of fruits daily with 2 1/2 cups of vegetables on daily basis!

Food contains numerous antioxidants, with some of the most commonly occurring being Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, lycopene and flavonoids being among them. Many are water soluble while some also exist as fat-soluble substances like Vitamin E and Lycopene/Carotenoids – with Vitamin C being most notable water soluble and E/Lycopene/carotenoids being fat soluble.

Antioxidants can also be found in supplement form, though it’s important to remember that they may not be as effective. Some supplement-based antioxidants can even be toxic and increase oxidative stress in the body.

Foods rich in antioxidants such as whole foods with vibrant hues provide excellent sources of these micronutrients, as do any supplements made from natural sources rather than synthetic ones. A diet high in antioxidants has numerous health advantages as well. Try replacing processed food with whole food varieties and ensure any supplements made of natural sources instead of synthetic sources if taking supplements.

Exercise

Antioxidants are substances which help prevent and delay cell and tissue damage by attacking unstable molecules called free radicals, produced naturally as byproducts of metabolism or from environmental pollutants like pollution or tobacco smoke, or generated from exposure to stress and pollution. Although some free radical activity is natural and should be seen as part of normal body functioning, too much free radical activity can put the body into overdrive, leading to serious diseases like cancer, heart disease or aging oxidative stress that has serious ramifications on cells and tissues throughout our bodies. Antioxidants possess extra electrons which they pass on neutralizing these free radicals while stabilizing body tissues by stabilizing cells and tissues and providing extra electrons necessary for stability of our bodies cells and tissues.

There are hundreds of antioxidant compounds, found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, oils and lean proteins. Vitamin C and E as well as beta-carotene and flavonoids are the best-known sources. A balanced diet can provide these benefits or supplements can also be taken.

Supplements containing antioxidants have been demonstrated to decrease rates of heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. It’s important to remember that antioxidant supplements should not be seen as a panacea and used without supervision from healthcare providers for treating any given illness or disease. Furthermore, it’s generally preferable to obtain antioxidants through food sources rather than taking pills.

Diets high in antioxidants have been linked with reduced levels of oxidative stress and risk reduction of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and age-related macular degeneration. Some studies have also linked them with improved exercise performance as well as lower risks of diabetes.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that antioxidants may inhibit your adaptive response to exercise. Therefore, if you take antioxidants in order to enhance performance, it’s also essential that you maintain a healthy diet and train as hard as possible – too much antioxidant intake may actually counteract these beneficial effects and lead to an increased risk of injury; to get maximum benefit it would be ideal to consume antioxidants in food form whenever possible.

Stress

Stressful situations trigger the release of hormones which increase blood flow, tighten muscles and raise heart rates – responses which prepare the body to fight or flee from perceived threats. Short-term stress is not necessarily bad; in certain instances it may even enhance performance – however prolonged exposure to stress can result in health complications like high blood pressure, increased risk for cardiovascular disease and anxiety.

Studies have demonstrated that long-term stress can significantly decrease immunity and increase susceptibility to infection, due to its effect on immune function by suppressing it, thus allowing latent viruses to resurface and becoming active again. Furthermore, stress can lower vaccine efficacy and increase likelihood of contracting cold viruses or other infections.

Antioxidants are substances that help the body resist oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. Antioxidants occur naturally throughout our bodies and some foods contain natural antioxidants; examples include fruits, vegetables and green tea; vitamins C, E, beta-carotene as well as coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid and thiodipropionic acid are widely recognized antioxidant supplements; chemically synthesized antioxidants can also be found in commercially processed food as lipid peroxidation inhibitors such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), or tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBTQQ2).

Effects of healthy diet and lifestyle choices on immunity vary between individuals. Genetic susceptibility, different coping styles, or greater anxiety/depression could make some more susceptible than others to the negative impacts of stress.

There are numerous effective strategies available to you for coping with stress. The first step should be identifying its sources and taking measures to alleviate them, including cutting out smoking, excessive alcohol intake or exercise overdoes. Furthermore, socializing with friends and family as well as engaging in hobbies or favorite sports activities can also help alleviate some of the pressure. Finally, making regular appointments with a physician for check ups to ensure your body functions at its peak and address any potential problems before they become severe or life threatening is also recommended as this ensures your body functions optimally while any potential health or stress problems can be detected before becoming severe or life threatening.

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin