Antioxidants

In general term antioxidants prevent or slow down the process of oxidation. In the process of oxidation free radicals are formed which can damage cells like a chain reaction. Antioxidants break the chain by removing the radical elements either by inhibiting the oxidation reaction or by being oxidized by them.

Antioxidants are often reducing agents like polyphenols and thiols. Vitamin A, C and E are identified as antioxidants. The most common source of antioxidants are fruits, vegetables, grains cereals, nuts and legumes. Antioxidants like ascorbic acid and lycopene can get destroyed by prolonged cooking or longer storage time, for which processed foods have less antioxidants than fresh uncooked food.

Antioxidants can boost the immune system, and prevent neurodegeneration and macular degeneration. It is believed that supplements like vitamin E can prevent heart disease.

Low levels of antioxidants can cause stress called ‘oxidative stress’ which can damage or kill cells, also thought to contribute to a large number of illness like Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Motor Neuron disease and many others.

To overcome unknown oxidative stress dietary supplement are used widely in the form of antioxidants to maintain health and prevent certain diseases.

Antioxidants are used as medication to treat various type of brain injury. As the metabolic rate and the polyunsaturated lipid level is high in the brain so the risk of oxidative injury is also high. On the other hand supplements of high doses of antioxidants can be harmful.

They may have long term harmful effect, like adverse effect of beta-carotene supplement in smokers. It is always wiser to consult a Doctor before taking antioxidant supplements.