what is antioxidants?

Antioxidants are any substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or removes potentially damaging oxidising agents in a living organism.

Antioxidants include dozens of food based substances you may have heard of before, such as carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C. These are several examples of antioxidants that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides and / or free radicals.

A free radical is an atom or a molecule with an unpaired electron. The unpaired electrons are highly reactive and therefore they destroy our cells and tissues resulting in not only the onset of certain diseases but also cause ageing faster. These free radicals are released during the normal metabolic processes. The damage can be prevented by antioxidants by converting the free radicals to neutral forms. The antioxidants also help to boost immunity and fight diseases and ageing.
These antioxidants are vitamin A,C,E and minerals such as selenium, iron, copper and zinc. The antioxidants present in the cell are glutathione, Vitamin E and superoxide dismutase and those present in the plasma and albumin, bilirubin, ceruloplasmin.

Research suggests that when it comes to longevity and overall health, some of the benefits of consuming antioxidant foods, herbs, teas & supplements include 

(1)slower signs of aging 

(2)reduced cancer risk 

(3)detoxification support 

(4)longer lifespan 

(5)protection against heart disease & stroke 

(6)less risk for cognitive problems, such as dementia.

Foods include :- Going berries, Blue berries, kidney beans,clove,turmeric, ginger, herbal teas, thyme, cumin, cocoa.

So for a better physical health and good mental health take the foods which contain antioxidants and utilise your energy for the betterment of your family and society.

Thank you

Dr Priyanka Baishya