Antioxidant Vitamins For Healthy Life
The oxygen that we inhale to stay alive is also associated with the production of life threatening substances known as free radicals. Free radicals or oxidants are unstable molecules that easily cling to the cells of the body, leading to cell damage.
Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of illnesses. Environmental pollution, smoking, excessive exposure to sunlight, stress and consumption of unhealthy foods and alcohol could accelerate production of free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants attach themselves to the free radicals to arrest the process of oxidative stress. Several antioxidant enzymes are secreted within the body to slow down the harmful activities of the free radicals.
Antioxidants are present in numerous phytonutrients present in fruits and vegetables. Several micronutrients, including some vitamins are blessed with antioxidant properties. Beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are popular antioxidant vitamins.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. Presence of excess free radicals in the body increases the risk of oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol, which accumulates in the blood vessels, clogging the arteries.
This condition known as atherosclerosis is the major reason for cardiovascular illnesses. Vitamin E could prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This antioxidant vitamin is capable of preventing growth of malignant cells.
Studies have shown that vitamin E could slow down growth of breast, prostate and colon cancer tumors. This micronutrient might even protect the brain tissues from the free radicals. Oxidative stress could accelerate degeneration of brain tissues leading to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The antioxidant property of vitamin E helps it to function as an anti aging vitamin. Vitamin E could protect the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. It delays premature aging of the skin.
Vitamin C
Although the antioxidant activities of vitamin C are not as strong as that of vitamin E, in the absence of vitamin C your body could not absorb vitamin E. Vitamin C is also capable of neutralizing the free radicals in the body. It reduces appearance of wrinkles and decreases the risk of heart diseases, arthritis and cancers.
Beta-carotene and vitamin A
Vitamin A and its precursor beta-carotene, which is largely found in yellow and orange colored vegetables, could counter the activities of free radicals. This antioxidant vitamin could even repair damaged tissues.
