The Health Benefits of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are getting a lot of attention these days. You may have heard about the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, green tea, canned tomatoes, red wine, pomegranate juice and even dark chocolate. Or maybe you've noticed natural antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 or retinol listed as ingredients in your favorite lotion or cleanser.
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The American Heart Association notes that up to 30% of Americans are taking antioxidant supplements and that foods rich in natural antioxidants are beneficial to health. Some scientists even believe that antioxidants can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. But what, exactly, are antioxidants?
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the damaging process of oxidation. Natural antioxidants are found in many foods, but you can also take antioxidants as a supplement.
Some of the most common antioxidants are vitamins. Here are just a few vitamin antioxidants and their benefits:
- Beta-carotene may reduce the effects of heart disease.
- Folic acid may guard against cervical cancer.
- Vitamin A protects the body from sun damage.
- Vitamin B-6 may offer protection from Parkinson's Disease.
- Vitamin B-12 helps prevent anemia and fatigue.
- Vitamin C neutralizes the toxic products formed when the body metabolizes fat.
- Vitamin E protects lipids and lipid structures from oxidation.
Foods That Contain Antioxidants
According to the American Heart Association, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in natural antioxidants is the best way to make sure your body has all the antioxidants it needs.
In a study published in June 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture examined the level of natural antioxidant concentration in more than 100 different foods. In general, fruits and vegetables contain the most antioxidants, but certain nuts and spices also have a high concentration of natural antioxidants.
According to the study, the foods that contain the most antioxidants are as follows:
- fruits, such as cranberries, blueberries and blackberries
- nuts, such as pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts
- spices, such as ground cloves, ground cinnamon and oregano
- vegetables, such as beans, artichokes and Russet potatoes.
Natural Antioxidant Supplements
Given the health benefits of natural antioxidants found in food, some companies have begun producing natural antioxidant supplements. These supplements often contain extracts of natural antioxidants as oils or powders. For example, grape seed oil is a natural antioxidant supplement that may help reduce inflammation in the circulatory system and protect brain cells.
The Drawbacks of Antioxidants
While many people tout the benefits of antioxidants, there are some drawbacks to antioxidants. The Mayo Clinic, for instance, notes that, in some cases, taking antioxidants can have a negative effect on health. For example, smokers who take beta-carotene supplements could actually increase their risks of lung cancer. Antioxidants can also interfere with cancer treatments by reducing the effects of chemotherapy.
Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking antioxidant supplements.
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