Antioxidants safeguard your body by removing free radicals which develop at the end of metabolic reactions inside your body. Antioxidants either prevent them from forming or act as scavengers for these free radicals.
Usually your body does a good job at getting rid of these active radicals by itself. But at certain times, due to fatigue, illness, environmental factors, it fails, this leads to a condition called Oxidative stress.
“The term is used to describe the condition of oxidative damage resulting when the critical balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defenses is unfavorable.”
This means that there is a mismatch between the number of free radicals being produced and your bodies natural ability to remove them. Oxidative stress leads to a umber of consequent diseases.
“A role of oxidative stress has been postulated in many conditions, including anthersclerosis, inflammatory condition, certain cancers, and the process of aging.”
To prevent this harmful condition and keep the free radicals in check, it is always advised to a have Antioxidants through the your diet.
Antioxidants in Food: Vitamins ACE
Although your body has several enzyme systems which help scavenge free radicals but essential micronutrient(Vitamin) sources which help eliminate them have to be taken through your diet.
Vitamins A( Beta Carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A), C and E are prime antioxidants which help get rid of free radicals. Food sources which are rich in them should be an integral part of any diet plan as these cant be produced by the body.
VITAMIN A- It is the first of the antioxidants vitamins triumvirate. This fat soluble vitamin is also good for eyes, skin, bones and immunity. It supports normal functioning of major body organs as well. Here are some common food sources.
VITAMIN C- The second of the antioxidants vitamins triumvirate of Vitamins A, C and E, vitamin C has many other important uses like enhancing immunity. This water soluble vitamin also helps the body form and repair connective tissues, including bones, blood vessels and skin. Here are some common food sources of the same.
VITAMIN E- This fat soluble vitamin is really useful in skin, eye and hair problems. It is also useful in protection against neurological diseases like alzheimers other than being one of the most powerful antioxidants. Here are some food sources.
Antioxidants and India
The Indian style of cooking includes many natural occurring antioxidants. Vegetables and vegetables and even spices contain vital antioxidants. It is very beneficial to derive your antioxidants from natural sources as far as possible so that there is less risk of commercial adulteration.
The concept of functional foods is gaining prominence because of changing lifestyles and diseases.
“Functional food enters the concept of considering food not only necessary for living but also as a source of mental and physical well-being, contributing to the prevention and reduction of risk factors for several diseases or enhancing certain physiological functions”
So be mindful of what you eat and try to focus more on eating for your body beyond the tongue.
Have a Good Day
Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/