Antioxidants

Lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking alcohol, physical activities, and some foods can produce free radicals in the body. Free radicals are known to weaken and damage the cells in the body. When the cells become weakened, a person is more susceptible to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. Antioxidants act as cell protectors. The best antioxidant foods work by scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and damage to all our cells. Some examples of antioxidants are vitamins C, vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium, flavonoids, carotenoids, and ubiquinone, otherwise known as coenzyme Q10 . Additionally, studies have shown a decreased risk of leukemia and lymphomas in patients who take daily antioxidant supplements.

Antioxidants help reduce the risk of liver damage, malnutrition, respiratory issues, neurological problems and cardiovascular issues, by preventing cellular damage caused by free radicals. The body requires antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Antioxidant supplements offer an easy and affordable way to get the nutrients your body requires to stay healthy. Antioxidants can either be man-made or all-natural. Antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin A, lutein, vitamin C, lycopene, vitamin E and selenium, promote health and healing, while increasing vigor.

Antioxidants are believed to be helpful in treating and preventing heart disease, stroke, and a number of conditions associated with normal aging, including wrinkles! Antioxidants such as lutein, lycopene, vitamin B2, coenyzme Q10, and cysteine can be consumed using oral supplements. In addition, certain herbs, including grape seed, bilberry, turmeric, ginkgo, milk thistle and green tea also have antioxidant compounds.

The best antioxidant supplements include carotenoids, vitamin E, CoQ-10 and vitamin C. Carotenoids such as beta-carotene protects against prostate cancer; while lycopene protects the body from cancers of the colon, esophagus and mouth. Carotenoids are found in red, yellow and dark leafy vegetables. Vitamin E promotes health and protects against cardiovascular diseases and cataracts. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds and whole grain products. CoQ10 increases the immune system and protects against various health conditions. Vitamin C helps prevent infection, helps the body produce collagen and strengthens the body's blood vessels. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, potatoes, berries and peppers. By choosing an antioxidant supplement containing the aforementioned vitamins, amino acids and minerals will prevent cellular damage and oxidative stress throughout the body.