Antioxidants

The human body constantly produces unstable molecules called oxidants, often referred to as free radicals - aggressive forms of oxygen. Oxidants or oxidants - is very active fragments of molecules that have an unpaired electron and seek to enter into a chemical reaction with all that met him on the way. In small amounts, free radicals play a useful role in maintaining health, taking part in the millions of chemical reactions taking place in cells every second. They help to absorb write and fight disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses. However, the effect of intense physical activity, as well as contaminated drinking water, smoking, radiation leads to disruption of natural control mechanisms. Then the activity of free radicals increases dramatically, destroying our body. Coming out from under the control of the body, free radicals cause noticeable damage. They destroy cells by damaging the cell membrane. Or causing mutations alter the structure of the cell's DNA. Free radicals may also bind the two molecules together, after which the latter may not operate correctly. For example, if the two molecules are bound together dermal collagen, the skin loses its elasticity and smoothness, it becomes inelastic and wrinkled. Often, people whose body is severely damaged by free radicals, develop brown spots on the back of the hand or on the forehead.


Free radicals (oxidants) - a byproduct of metabolism. Five major known oxidants: superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, fatty peroxy radicals and atomic oxygen

. The first dangerous free radicals that destroy the membranes of our cells and cause damage to the holy of holies - the DNA molecule, the keeper of all the genetic information. In short, free radicals (oxidants, oxidants) destroy or oxidize anything that gets them to "arm": molecules, cells, organs and the entire body as a whole. It was found that these invaders rob us of more than a dozen years of life! They are responsible for the development of diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and many others. It is recognized that it is the free radicals are the main cause of aging!

Thus, free radicals - is aggressive forms of oxygen that oxidize various substances in the body. Some scientists directly and articulate: aging - this oxidation. You could even say that with age we most trivially sour.

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that allow the human body to extract and link oxidants. Like other antioxidants catechins found in green tea selectively inhibit specific enzyme activity that leads to cancer. They can also identify and recover DNA changes induced by oxidants. Currently used as antioxidants in antioxidant vitamins: beta-carotene (pro-vitamin), and other carotenoids (., Astaxanthin, lycopene, lutein, etc.), A, C, and vitamin E. Each performs its own function. Therefore, it is necessary that each of them present in your food.

 - Beta-carotene. Contained in brightly colored green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. For example, carrots, pumpkin, apricots, mangoes, papaya, red peppers, spinach, kale, turnips, broccoli, melon.

 - Vitamin C is found in red and green peppers, kiwi, oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, strawberries, etc.

..  - Vitamin E also known as tocopherol found in any plant food, but they are particularly rich in vegetable oils (natural plant extraction). For example, olive, corn, peanut, sesame, almond, wheat germ oil.

antioxidants, minerals selenium, zinc, copper, chromium, manganese, etc.
. natural (vegetable) or antioxidants, bioflavonoids: extracts from seeds and skin of red grapes, tree bark, blueberry, green tea, etc.
amino antioxidants: methionine, tyrosine, cysteine, taurine and other
. Strong and popular antioxidants are also amber and lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, melatonin and others.

Antioxidants are produced by the body, but with age they become less and less. We lose them and during times of stress, eating properly, due to smoking, non-contaminated atmosphere. Braking free radicals becomes a nobody, and the body is aging prematurely. However, according to the latest scientific data, the whole complex of antioxidants can be obtained by eating the day ten grape seed (Only they need to chew well).

Many doctors recommend supplementation with antioxidants, however, has not yet studied the side effects of prolonged use of such additives, so it is best to follow a healthy nutrition policy.