Antioxidants include a number of molecules, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, folic acid, and many plant pigments.
1. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants found in eggs. These antioxidants help prevent cataracts. Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidants in the body.
2. Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin found in all body fluids. That is why it is one of the first lines of defense of the body; But it cannot be stored in the body; Therefore, fruits and vegetables should be consumed regularly and continuously. Its daily requirement is 60 mg. Intake of more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day in some people has harmful side effects such as kidney stones, nausea and diarrhea. The most important sources of this vitamin are: citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, kiwi, cabbage, cantaloupe, strawberries, spinach and potatoes.
3. Vitamin E: A fat-soluble vitamin that is stored with fats in the liver and other tissues of the body. Vitamin E has important effects on the body such as delaying cell aging and treating sunburn. Its daily requirement is 15 units for men and 12 units for women. Important food sources of vitamin E include: oilseeds, wheat germ, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
4. Beta-carotene: It is a precursor of vitamin A and is converted to vitamin A in the body. Studies of more than 600 different carotenoids have shown that beta-carotene (one of the most important carotenoids) protects green, yellow, and orange vegetables and fruits from sun damage; Therefore, it is thought to have such an effect on the body. There is no set amount to receive. Carrots, pumpkins, broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots are rich sources of beta-carotene. Note that vitamin A does not have an antioxidant role and receiving high amounts of it is toxic and dangerous for the body.
5. Selenium: This mineral prevents the destruction of body cells by oxygenated substances; Therefore, it prevents cancer. It is better to get the necessary selenium through food. Because high levels of selenium in supplements are toxic and dangerous to the body. The best food sources include fish, red meat, grains, legumes, eggs, chicken and garlic. Vegetables that grow in selenium-rich soils are also a good source of selenium.
the health
Although there are various enzyme systems in the body to neutralize free radicals, the main antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene. Selenium, as a mineral, also has an important antioxidant role. The body is unable to produce these vitamins and minerals, so it must be obtained through food. Oxidants come in many forms, the most famous and dangerous of which are free radicals.
The activity of some free radicals in the body leads to various types of degeneration, cancer, diabetes, heart failure, brain damage, muscle problems, premature aging, eye injuries and overall weakened immune system. Antioxidants are known to be the main way to fight free radicals and regenerate damaged cells. Because they increase the efficiency of the immune system against a variety of diseases. [] Antioxidants reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Oxidative stress is the victory of free radicals over the body’s antioxidant defense. Electrolytic apparatus and alkaline acetate can also increase the body’s antioxidant defenses by producing ionized water and prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. Studies show that alkaline drinking water has special health effects such as cancer prevention.
Experiments on mice
The Benefits of Taking Vitamin C and Many Other Dietary Supplements Have No Scientific Support For example, in the 1970s and early 1980s, various supplemental antioxidants entered the rats’ bodies through food or direct injection into the bloodstream. Even the genetics of a group of mice were modified to make the genetic code for specific antioxidants more active than that of unmodified laboratory mice. But the results of all the methods used were the same: high levels of antioxidants did not alleviate the damage of old age nor prevent the onset of disease. It has never been really proven that antioxidants increase life expectancy, or improve human life.
Experiments on humans
Since the 1970s, many experiments have sought to determine how much antioxidant supplementation is needed for human health. But the results were by no means promising. Research on the effects of beta-carotene on smoking and lung cancer, menopause and breast cancer has shown no positive evidence. In only 7 studies, the use of supplements reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatic cancer.
To introduce the benefits of antioxidants, we must first define it. An antioxidant is any substance that can inhibit the oxidation process, especially substances that are stored to prevent spoilage of food or eliminate potential oxidants in the body of an organism. used.
