How antioxidants work?
Antioxidants are substances that prevent free radicals to react with body cell parts and thus avoid damage to them. Antioxidants neutralizes these free radicals by safely reacting with them and blocking the chain reaction that may cause long-term damage to the cells. Antioxidants prevent cell damage and repair injuries to body cells Antioxidants largely protect our cells from these damages. Additionally, antioxidants promote self-healing mechanism of the body to repair damages happened to the cell parts.
What are free radicals?
Our body produces highly reactive chemicals called free radicals. Presence of large quantity of free radicals is not good for our health. Free radicals react with cell components and proteins causing physical damage. These constant small damages on a longer period results in major diseases such as heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, cancers and ageing. Antioxidants prevent cell damage and repair injuries to body cells Antioxidants largely protect our cells from these damages.
Health Benefits of Antioxidants
Scientific studies support that regular in-take of antioxidant-rich diet provide protection against cardiovascular diseases, many cancer and diabetes. For example, Beet root is rich in nitrates, betaine and other antioxidants (betacyanin). Nitrates are chemicals that improve blood flow in blood vessels. Research studies support use of beet root in lowering blood pressure, dementia and exercise performance. Similarly, Garlic contains vitamin B6, manganese and selenium and other antioxidants (allicin) that helps in lowering cholesterol and reducing risk of developing cancers. Blueberries contains antioxidant anthocyanin, found associated in relaxing walls of arteries and thus lowering the risk of heart disease and improving memory.
