The term “Antioxidant” refers to a group of organic substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A, selenium (a mineral), and a group know as carotenoids – beta-carotene being the most popular and well know carotenoid. Carotenoids are the pigment compounds that give many fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. Antioxidants are believed to be effective in helping to prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke and a variety of other ailments associated with natural aging. Specifically antioxidants prevent ailments by destroying free harmful radicals inside the human body.
Left unmanaged, free radicals can damage cell walls, genetic material within cells and other cell structures. Over time such damage may lead to disease. Again, antioxidants are believed to assist in preventing disease by destroying free radicals before they get the chance to do harm to your body.
A few studies have shown that smokers with diets high in carotenoids have a lower risk of developing lung cancer relative to smokers whose diets are low in carotenoids. However, another study indicated that some beta-carotene takers, primarily smokers, actually had a higher death rate. Additional research has suggested that diets high in carotenoids may help lower the risk of breast cancer. Vitamin C has been shown to prevent the formation of N-nitroso compounds (cancer-causing substances from nitrates found in some foods).
Many healthcare specialists claim that the elderly, especially those with a reduced food intake, heavy drinkers, frequent aspirin users, smokers and individuals with immune problems may benefit greatly by taking daily antioxidant supplements. It is also possible that higher level of antioxidants may aid in preventing certain life threatening diseases.
The human body produces a number antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, that destroy many types of harmful free radicals. Supplements of these enzymes are available for oral administration. However, absorption of these enzymes is most likely minimal at best. Supplementing with the components the body requires to make these enzymes may be more effective. These include the minerals managanese, zinc and copper for SOD and selenium for glutathione peroxidase.
In addition to SOD, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, many vitamins and minerals are effective antioxidants in their own right, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and cysteine (an amino acid). Herbs, such as grape seed, bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), ginkgo, milk thistle and green tea also contain powerful antioxidant compounds.
Many experts believe that the best way to provide the body with the most complete protection against free radicals is to consume a large variety of antioxidants.
