Antioxidants and free radicals have become buzzwords frequently used by food, health, and skincare companies, but what do those words actually mean? Before investing in expensive supplements or going to the lengths of making your own chocolate with a cacao bean roaster, it’s essential to understand the role of antioxidants and free radicals in the body.
So, let’s discuss what these terms mean and five important reasons to include antioxidants in your diet.
Protection Against Oxidative Stress
An imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body causes a symptom known as oxidative stress. Maintaining a balance between the two is essential, as oxidative stress can cause Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, cataracts, and heart disease.
Free radicals refer to a group of unstable molecules that develop during oxygen metabolisation. These unstable molecules cause cell damage, which can lead to a variety of health issues, from inflammation to cancer. Unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, and UV rays can speed up oxidation, leading to an overabundance of free radicals.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of oxidative stress, which include fatigue, headaches, and memory loss, you should consider an antioxidant-rich diet.
Increasing the amount of antioxidants in your body by eating a varied, nutrient-dense diet can balance out illness-causing free radicals. Moringa is an excellent source of antioxidants. The best moringa supplements may boost your energy, fight off infections, and even alleviate stomach upsets.
Support for Immune Function
Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat daily can support your immune function. Antioxidant vitamins such as C, E, and A can support healthy immune responses to help your system recognise and fight infections, viruses, parasites, and cancer-forming cells.
However, it is essential to maintain a healthy balance. Increasing only one specific vitamin will not improve the function of your immune system compared to simply sticking to a consistently well-rounded diet.
Antioxidants are molecules that aid your body in fighting unstable free radicals. While we have our own stores of antioxidants, consuming foods containing high amounts of antioxidants can be beneficial. Due to the amount of unhealthy food and toxins we are exposed to daily, increasing our antioxidant intake can reduce the risks of illnesses such as cancer.
Antioxidants are also present in meat and fish, but fruit and vegetables have much higher levels of essential molecules, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids. To support your immune system, experts recommend eating a balanced diet that includes all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs without focusing on one more than the others.
Reduction of Chronic Disease Risk
According to a journal article posted in 2023, antioxidants can impact the development of illnesses such as diabetes and cancer. Maintaining the balance between free radicals and antioxidants can also prevent the cell damage that causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
It is important to note that while experts believe there is a link between antioxidants and chronic disease risk, there is no hard evidence to support any claim that antioxidants prevent chronic illness.
Preventing oxidative stress is still encouraged by consuming dietary antioxidants, which can be found in green tea, dark chocolate, and coffee.
Skin Health Benefits
As we discussed, oxidative stress can lead to cell damage, including the cells that make up our skin. This damage leads to premature ageing, wrinkles, and inflammation, which causes acne and puffiness. UV rays also promote the development of free radicals, which can cause skin cancer.
Antioxidants fight these free radicals to reduce the risks of sun damage and cancer.
Berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are some of the best sources of antioxidants. These should be eaten regularly to help maintain the harmony between free radicals and antioxidants.
Potential Longevity Effects
Many chronic illnesses that lead to death share age as the common risk factor. As we age, our antioxidant defences decline, which may be why older people are so prone to developing illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Due to this theory, many believe that maintaining an antioxidant-rich diet as you age may reduce the signs of ageing.
Pomegranates, turmeric, and red wine all contain high levels of antioxidant vitamins. Drinking red wine in moderation may lower the concentration of free radicals in the body by boosting the amount of disease-fighting antioxidants.