Oxidation is a normal process that happens in the body. It occurs as our bodies metabolize the oxygen that we breathe and our cells produce energy from it, which can help fight pathogens, hence reducing the risk of infections. However, oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This can have negative effects on the body, as oxidative ions attack our healthy cells instead of germs.
Free radicals are produced naturally in the body as a byproduct of metabolism or by exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, pollution, harmful chemical materials and radiation, which can damage cells in a number of ways and places including DNA, proteins, and lipids. This damage can lead to a number of health problems such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants are molecules that can donate electrons to free radicals, thereby making them stable and can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. An antioxidant is any substance that acts to slow or prevent the oxidation of another chemical. In other words antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body, which are compounds generated as a result of oxidation that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body. Although oxidation is a natural process that occurs in the body, too much oxidation leads to damage to cells and tissues, which is known as oxidative stress. They’re related to multiple illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Human body has its own antioxidant defenses to keep free radicals in check. They are also found in some specific food and, if necessary, should be more actively taken for a condition with diseases or prevention of cell and tissue damages.
Free radicals are constantly being formed in your body. Without antioxidants, which would cause serious harm very quickly, eventually resulting in death. However, free radicals also serve important functions that are essential for health. For example, your immune cells use free radicals to fight infections. As a result, your body needs to maintain a certain balance of free radicals and antioxidants. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, it can lead to a state called oxidative stress. Prolonged oxidative stress can damage your DNA and other important molecules in your body. Sometimes it even leads to cell death.
Several lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors are known to promote excessive free radical formation and oxidative stress, including air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol intake, toxins, high blood sugar levels etc. Prolonged oxidative stress leads to an increased risk of negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Some common antioxidants include Vit C, E, Selenium, Zinc, Beta-carotene, Lycopene.
Foods that are good source of multiple antioxidants are:
Egg – a good source of Glutathione, Vit A, B, D, E, Selenium. Most recommended
Garlic – has glutathione and other antioxidants, also contains allicin that has been shown to boost glutathione production. Also has Vit C, Selenium, Queratin. Most recommended
Berries – Vit C&E, Anthocyanins
Nuts & Seeds – Vit E, Selenium, Zinc
Green Leafy Vegetables – Beta-Carotene, Vit C&E
