Antioxidants: the guards of our body
In recent years, there has been increasing talk of antioxidants such as vitamins C , E and beta-carotene. They are seen as the guardians of our bodies because they protect us against free radicals. What are antioxidants and how do they protect us against free radicals?
What are antioxidants?
There are different types of antioxidants. Antioxidant is a collective name for certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-cartoon, zinc and selenium. You can find them in many types of fruit and vegetables, but also in herbs and grains.
What does antioxidant mean?
Antioxidant literally means 'against oxidation'. Oxidation is a chemical process under the influence of oxygen, such as the rusting of iron. This also happens with an apple. When you cut it, brown spots appear within a few minutes. That is the influence of oxygen.
Oxygen also has an effect in our body. During the meal we receive various nutrients such as proteins , sugars and carbohydrates . Oxygen is used to burn these nutrients (metabolism). This creates free radicals.
What do free radicals do?
Free radicals can damage body cells. You want to prevent this naturally, but wrinkles can also be seen as a damage to the body's cells. This is part of the aging process. It is therefore okay to have a certain amount of free radicals in your body.
Free radicals can be harmful in a large amount. That is why it is so important to limit the amount of free radicals by living healthy.
What do antioxidants do?
Antioxidants try to protect the body cells against aging, for example, by clearing up the free radicals. If we take the example of the apple again you can think of lemon juice. The vitamin C in the juice protects the apple against discoloration. Antioxidants such as vitamin C , E,zinc ,selenium and Manganese protect healthy body cells against free radicals.
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What can you do against free radicals?
You can limit the amount of free radicals by taking good care of yourself. Do not smoke, leave products with fat and sugar and do not drink too much alcohol. By choosing healthy products you get enough antioxidants.
