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An enzyme or other organic molecule that can counteract the damaging effects of oxygen in tissues. Although the term technically applies to molecules reacting with oxygen, it is often applied to molecules that protect from any free radical (molecule with unpaired electron).

Antioxidants are an important supplement to anyone's diet because they prevent the bodily damage caused by free radicals. Fortunately, antioxidants protect against free radical damage. They offer a powerful nutritional tool to prevent illness and even slow down aging.

Antioxidants prevent injury to blood vessel membranes, helping to optimize blood flow to the heart and brain, defend against cancer-causing DNA damage, and help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Antioxidants are found in cereals, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish or they can be taken in the form of dietary supplements. There is some research suggesting that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and cereals has additional benefits, because of lesser-known but potent antioxidants in food that may have a combined effect greater than that of any single nutrient or individual antioxidant supplement

In addition to enzymes, many vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, CoQ10, and cysteine (an amino acid) act as natural antioxidants. Herbs, such as milk thistle, aloe vera, cascara sagrada, bilberry, turmeric (curcumin), grape seed or pine bark extracts, and ginkgo can also provide powerful antioxidant protection for the body and help inhibit many of the health problems associated with free radicals.

Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in all body fluids, so it may be one of our first lines of defense. It works along with vitamin E, a fat-soluble natural antioxidant, and the enzyme glutathione peroxidase to stop free radical chain reactions. Vitamin C can enhance the body's resistance to an assortment of diseases, including infectious disorders and many types of cancer. It strengthens and protects the immune system by stimulating the activity of antibodies and immune system cells. Vitamin C powerful antioxidant cannot be stored by the body, so it's important to get some regularly not a difficult task if you eat fruits and vegetables. Important sources include citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, raw cabbage and potatoes.

A fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored with fat in the liver and other tissues, vitamin E is promoted for a range of purposes from delaying aging to healing sunburn. Vitamin E exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. Antioxidants vitamins such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Antioxidant benefits from vitamin e have been touted for centuries. Vitamin E is found in many oils including wheat germ, corn, safflower and soybean oils, and is also found in mangos, nuts (almonds), broccoli vegetable oil, fish-liver oil and other antioxidant foods.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body. This nutrient is an important part of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant vitamins that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. The body has developed defenses such as antioxidants to control levels of free radicals because they can damage cells and contribute to the development of some chronic diseases. Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland. It is best to get selenium through foods, as large doses of the supplement form can be toxic. Good food sources include fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic. Vegetables can also be a good source if grown in selenium-rich soils.

The most studied of more than 600 different carotenoids that have been discovered, beta-carotene protects dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits from solar radiation damage. It is thought that it plays a similar role in the body. Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots are particularly rich sources of beta-carotene.

Studies have found grape seed to be one of the best antioxidant, which may help prevent or relieve symptoms of certain conditions, such as vision problems associated with diabetes and wound healing. The safety of long-term use of grape seed is unknown, and more studies are needed to provide definitive answers.

Grape seed may help improve blood circulation, prevent atherosclerosis, lower blood pressure and improve blood cholesterol levels. Some research shows that consumption of grape seed and grape skin in combination, such as in red wine, grape juice or a commercially available vitamin supplement products, may be more beneficial than grape seed alone.

There a few key roles that antioxidants supplements can help you with if you increase them. These include protecting your body cells from damage. Often there can be a vitamin shortage in your body that is causing you maybe to not recover they way you should be. With the help of vitamins and antioxidant food you can make up the difference that you need. Often you will be able to use the powerful selection of herbal or natural products to help put your body in greater functioning capacity. Other benefits include normalizing blood clotting, restoring libido and even helping preventing other diseases. Fitness and nutrition are a big part of many peoples lives and it is important to take your health seriously.

source: www.herbs-wholesale.com/article/antioxidant.asp