With all the emphasis lately on the benefits of antioxidants,
you may be wondering, whether you need to add the antioxidant supplement your
diet? Let's look at all the factors that determine this, and then you
decide for yourself. First and foremost you must understand what are antioxidants
and what are they doing to your body. The term "antioxidant" is
the name for vitamins and other natural compounds that protect the body from
free radicals.
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are said to be
the major cause of aging as well as degenerative diseases. Antioxidants
are responsible for preventing oxidative stress from free radical attacks. Oxidative
stress in our body is the same as a fruit rotting or a metal rusting. The
exception is it is inside out. Experts of longevity agree that the
overproduction of free radicals leads to premature aging and degenerative
diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc.
Common nature of these diseases is now an indication of a
widespread antioxidant deficiency. There are sources of oxidative stress, and
hence you need to know more about the benefits of antioxidants: The
first is the poor nutritional content of the factory-farmed products. Industrial
agriculture has lead to less nutritious foods. Techniques used to increase
yields has led to decline in protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and other
essential plant nutrients in the plant-grown fruits and vegetables.
The second is air and
water pollution. Increasing levels of chemical toxins in the air and water
contribute to free radical damage to our body. The third is other
environmental toxins. Ingredients in the household products we use every
day, things like cleaning solutions, paints, detergents, air fresheners,
hygiene products, etc., are all toxic chemicals that we somehow use. The
fourth is ultraviolet radiation. The sun's ultraviolet radiations causes
free radical damage to the skin.
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