antioxidants

The word antioxidant is made up of two words; “anti” meaning “against” or “opposite of” and “oxidants” are free radicals, which are molecules commonly produced when our bodies break down food substances or from exposure to environmental pollution, radiation, or tobacco use. These oxidants or free radicals are a nuisance to our overall health as they can damage cells and can also play a key role in causing many life-threatening diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

So, antioxidants designate a molecule that works against oxidants or free radicals in the body to save it from harmful effects. Free radicals are produced as a result of oxidation processes in the body, during which a chemical reaction occurs and electrons or hydrogen are transferred from one substance to another called an oxidizing agent. During this process free radicals are produced and then they begin to create chain reactions, which occur in a cell to which they can cause destruction or severe damage. Antioxidants are very effective in terminating such chain reactions as they scavenge free radicals, which in turn inhibit oxidation reactions, then these antioxidants oxidize and act as reducing agents like polyphenols or ascorbic acid.

Antioxidants are basically molecules in the form of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that protect and renew the various cells from damage caused by free radicals. This free radical damage to the cells of the body leads to many chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and atherosclerosis. Free radicals basically weaken the immune system of the individual and thus expose himself to many infections, colds and flu.

food sources of antioxidants

Antioxidants are widely found in different natural foods. Foods rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene are commonly known as rich sources of antioxidants. Raw fruits and vegetables provide a higher concentration and absorption of antioxidants than cooked foods. Fruits and vegetables with b colors are rich sources of antioxidants; Colors like purple, orange, yellow, red, and blue are common. Oranges, tomatoes, carrots, apples, plums, red peppers, spinach, beans, onions, plums, all berries, red grapes, eggplant and alfalfa sprouts, raisins, apricots, broccoli, turnips, sweet potatoes, watermelon, pumpkin, papaya, Grapefruit, mangoes, tangerines, cauliflower, strawberries, kiwi, mustard, walnuts and sunflower seeds are the various natural sources of antioxidants.

Vitamins are not the only source of antioxidants in food, but zinc and selenium are also good antioxidants, helping to boost the immune system. Zinc is found in foods such as beans, nuts, shellfish, dairy products, red meat, cereals, poultry, and whole grains. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, beef, and many grain products.

Antioxidants help treat hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is very common today in both women and men. Its main cause is the imbalance in the production of hormones in the body. The body needs hormones to regulate growth, metabolism, mood, and various sexual functions in the body; These hormones are released into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands. A healthy diet can keep your hormones in balance.

In the condition of suffering from hormonal imbalance, he/she can get enough help from antioxidants to alleviate the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Many phytoestrogens are antioxidants in nature; Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that are both estrogenic and antiestrogenic in nature; that is why they can provide a balancing effect on the body’s estrogen receptors by mimicking estrogen. Foods like green leafy vegetables, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and lentils are phytoestrogens. By including these phytoestrogens in your diet, you can prevent toxic hormones from causing hormonal imbalance in your body. It also works on balancing hormones.

Antioxidants can also help produce detoxification enzymes in the body that help detoxify hormones and keep them in balance. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and provides a good concentration of these enzymes.

Antioxidants play a very important role in stimulating the body’s immune and glandular systems, which have a direct connection to hormonal balance. They support the body’s alkalinity and thus help maintain its natural balance by restoring hormonal balance, detoxifying and strengthening the immune system.

Vitamin B is an antioxidant; the liver needs it to deal with hormonal imbalance. Vitamin B helps convert excess estrogen into balanced and less dangerous forms, thus helping to balance hormones in our body.