Antioxidants for your Body

Fruits for anti-oxidants (Credit: darwinbell)

Antioxidants help protect your body from damage caused by unstable molecules, also known as free radicals.

The human body makes its own "security system" of natural antioxidants that fight against free-radical damage; however, genetics, age, sex, and lifestyle factors can undermine this security system. You can boost your body's defenses with an antioxidant plan and ensure that you look and feel your best.

Free Radicals: Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that target and ultimately damage your tissues, protein bonds, and cells. They are often caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, smoke, chemical and biological pollution, alcohol, and stress. Rigorous exercise, and an inadequate warm up or cool down, can also cause the release of free radicals into your system. Free radicals multiply excessively until they are stopped by antioxidants.

The escalation of free radicals can inhibit the rebuilding process of cells, which can interfere with muscular growth, weaken your immune system, and create a greater risk of injury. The consequences also include damage to your skin's DNA, an aged appearance, wrinkles, sagging skin, a dull or rough complexion, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Antioxidants can prohibit the free radical chain reaction before cell damage occurs.

Creams and Serums: In the past, people who wanted to reap the benefits of antioxidants applied vitamin E directly to their faces. Though, problems occurred with people who had sensitive skin conditions.

Today, there is a wide variety of lightweight antioxidant creams and serums that can penetrate under the skin's surface. In recent years, manufacturers have found that vitamins containing antioxidants (specifically vitamins C and E) are more easily absorbed when combined with other ingredients.

The goal of these creams and serums is to diffuse free radicals and strengthen the fibroblasts, which are bridges that support skin.

The Importance of Diet: In addition to creams and serums, diet plays a role in controlling antioxidant levels. In addition to vitamins C and E, antioxidants can be found in magnesium, copper, and zinc.

The following vitamins and foods are rich in antioxidants:

• Vitamin E: Whole grains, wheat germ, some cereals, apricots, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fish oils.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and juices, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, and green peppers.