Antioxidant Definition

We all know that we need oxygen to live. In fact, oxygen is what we euphemistically call "the breath of life." But research has now established an astounding fact. The very thing that keeps us alive is the very same thing that’s killing us. Are you properly shocked now?

Oxidation is the process by which we are continuously burning calories to produce energy for our cells to use in order to function. It is a necessary process and it is life-giving. However, scientists have now proved that this very process that enables us to live also releases dangerous and highly active molecules known as free radicals.

Free radicals are the pervading cause of cell damage. They attack other cells, the cell walls, and genetic material within. Over a long period, such damage can become irreversible, leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and other diseases associated with aging.

The one thing that can stop free radicals from completely damaging our tissues is the antioxidant. An antioxidant is a chemical that prevents the oxidation of other chemicals. In normal biological systems, free radicals have the tendency to attack healthy molecules around them and turn them into free radicals like themselves, creating a chain reaction which could lead to massive cellular damage. It is the job of the antioxidant to keep free radicals from turning healthy molecules into free radicals. The antioxidant breaks off the free radical chain, thus preventing damage in the cells. In addition, antioxidants may also have properties that enable them to repair damages that might have been incurred.

Antioxidants are found in various fruits and vegetables. Below are some examples of antioxidants that have positive effects and which can be found in the foods that we eat.

Retinol

Another term for this antioxidant is beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A. This antioxidant has been discovered to protect dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits from solar radiation damage, and is thought to play a similar role in the human body. They are particularly found in veggies such as carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches, and apricots.

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant compound found mostly in citrus fruits like oranges, sweet lime, etc. They are also found in green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, raw cabbage, and tomatoes.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another important vitamin with antioxidant properties. It is a fat soluble compound and as such it helps protect the lipids, which are one of the essential components of the cell membrane.