How Do Antioxidants Work?
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Antioxidant: The Healthy Buzz Word
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Antioxidants are a regular part of most health regiments. They are highly popular for their anti-aging and body cleansing properties. Antioxidants are even reputed to prevent disease, increase cardiovascular function and boost energy.
Oxidation and Free Radicals
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When the body processes oxygen, breaks down food or is exposed to various environmental conditions including cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants, a chemical reaction occurs called oxidation. The body produces natural antioxidants which neutralize oxidation. However, when oxidation becomes too much for the bodies natural antioxidants to balance free radicals are formed. Free radicals are essentially chemically active atoms that have an electrical charge due to an unequal amount of electrons. These free radicals flow throughout the body trying to attach themselves to cells, DNA strands and proteins, wrecking havoc as they do so.
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Antioxidant Relief
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Antioxidants, a combination of enzymes and nutrients, assist the body by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals, an incomplete electron, are constantly on the prowl for another electron. When it is neutralized either another free radical is created, the other half of the atom from which the free radical "stole" its completing electron. This process can continue causing aging and illness in the body. However, the process is put to rest when a chain-breaking antioxidant such as beta-carotene, vitamin C or vitamin E are introduced completing the lingering free radicals.
Not All Antioxidants Are The Same
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Not all antioxidants are equal. The effectiveness of an antioxidant depends largely upon the origin and structure of the antioxidant as well as the origin and structure of the free radical. For example, vitamin E antioxidants are only soluble in fats. Therefore, they are effective in eliminating bad fats and cholesterol. Vitamin C is not effective against cholesterol because vitamin C is water soluble. Therefore, vitamin C antioxidants seek out water soluble free radicals similar to those generated from environmental oxidation processes such as exposure to pollution and smoking.
Sources of Antioxidants
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The effectiveness of antioxidants may also be influenced by the form in which the body ingests them. Although there are supplemental forms of antioxidants whole foods derived antioxidants currently display the most health benefits. The body processes whole foods more effectively than supplements and many vitamins and minerals are enhanced by complex combinations of other vitamins and minerals.
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