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Health Benefits of Antioxidants |
Research over the last two decades has continued to produce evidence that supports the importance of antioxidants to the health and well being of our bodies. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Certain compounds known as carotenoids also contain concentrations of antioxidants as well as herbs such as green tea.
Some of the Health Benefits of Antioxidants
- Neutralizing Cell Damaging Free Radicals – As a cell dies, it releases damaged molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals, while no longer useful to cells, steal nutrients from healthy cells, effectively starving them to death. One of the health benefits of antioxidants is realized as they neutralize the free radicals, preventing them from damaging healthy cells.
- Aid In Preventing Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration is a chronic eye condition caused by damage to the cells that control how we see things. Antioxidants help to keep these cells healthy and prevent them from becoming damaged due to nutrient deficiencies and premature aging.
- Protect Cells From Premature Aging - As a person approaches the age of 30, the production of free radicals increases. Free radicals cause premature aging of cells. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage.
- Reinforce Immune System – Antioxidants have been shown to reinforce the effectiveness of the immune system and to stimulate it to act upon foreign bodies more quickly.
Realizing the Health Benefits of Antioxidants
Free radicals are not only produced as the end result of natural cellular lifespan.
Environmental factors such as pollution, tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, food additives, stress, and over exposure to the sun harm our cells and accelerate the natural release of free radicals.
Realizing the health benefits of antioxidants means supplying our bodies with an adequate supply of antioxidants to counter the effects of free radicals. Taking vitamins or supplements daily that contain antioxidants are a good way to maintain cellular health.
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