What Are Antioxidants

Video: What Are Antioxidants

Video: What Are Antioxidants
Video: What are antioxidants? 2024, November
What Are Antioxidants
What Are Antioxidants
Anonim

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free oxygen radicals called oxidants. Oxidants are produced in the body in the process of oxidation of food, which we take in with the help of oxygen from the air and are particles with an attached oxygen atom. They become highly chemically active and aggressive towards our organisms.

In small amounts, these free radicals are needed, but when they are in excessive amounts, the body's protective antioxidant forces cannot neutralize them. This is because antioxidant substances are not enough to fight the processes.

Sounds a little scary doesn't it? Well here is the place to note that in addition to the natural antioxidants in the body there is another way to get the nutrients. You can get enough antioxidants through a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables and natural products.

See where you can find antioxidants:

Vitamin A - protects the body from respiratory diseases, maintains good vision, is important for strengthening the skin, bones, teeth, hair. Contained in animal products - liver, milk, eggs. Some plants contain carotene, which after absorption the body converts into vitamin A. These are tomatoes, carrots, green onions, pumpkin, apricots and others.

What are antioxidants
What are antioxidants

Vitamin C - Strengthens the general condition of the immune system, protects against stress and carcinogens, helps reduce cholesterol. High content of the vitamin is found in kiwi, peas, pineapple, tomatoes, salad greens, spinach, citrus fruits, potatoes, turnips, melons.

Vitamin E - improves the absorption of vitamins A and C. Strengthens the immune system, protects the lungs from contamination. Lack of vitamin E can lead to infertility and miscarriage. Contained in avocados, olive oil, cereals, seeds and nuts.

Selenium - together with vitamin E slow down the aging process. Their simultaneous use enhances their action. Selenium protects against some types of tumors. Contained in cereals, milk, eggs, broccoli, garlic, brown rice.

Zinc - controls and directs metabolic processes. Lack of it can lead to depression, metabolic disorders, apathy and irritability. Eat beef and chicken, eggs, nuts, seafood, cereals.

Honey - important for the functioning of the immune system. Together with zinc and vitamin C, they help the elasticity of the skin. It is important for the development of the skeletal system. Eat liver, seafood, mushrooms, nuts, legumes and grains.

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