An antioxidant is not actually a substance; it is a behaviour. Any compound that can donate electrons and counteract free radicals has antioxidant properties. Free radicals are a natural by-product of the body turning food into energy. The body has mechanisms to deal with these free radicals, because they are highly dangerous if left to their own devices.
Excess free radicals are a problem because they attack the body itself, damaging key cellular molecules such as DNA. Cells with damaged DNA may be more prone to developing cancer. Free radical activity has also been implicated in many other degenerative conditions.
Possible health disorders due to free radical damage
- Arthritis
- Adrenal fatigue
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Atherosclerosis
- Autism
- Bi-polar disorder
- Cancer
- Cataract formation
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Infertility
- Inflammation and pain
- Bladder and kidney stones
- Macular degeneration
- Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Premature ageing
- Psychological disorders (depression)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stroke
- Tinnitus
Antioxidants are nutrients including vitamins and minerals as well as enzymes, which are proteins in the body, that assist in chemical reactions. It is advisable that individuals with the conditions mentioned above add extra antioxidants to their diets on a daily basis. To find out the highest natural food sources of each one use the links below.
Nutrients with antioxidant abilities
- Alpha-carotene
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Anserine
- Anthocyanins
- Astaxanthin
- Beta-carotene
- Beta-cryptoxanthin
- Carnitine
- Catalase
- Catechins
- Chalcones
- Chlorophyll
- Coenzyme Q10
- Flavonoids
- Glucose oxidase
- Glutathione
- Iridium
- Lutein
- Lycopene
- Manganese
- Melatonin
- Nasunin
- Phenols and polyphenols
- Phytoestrogens
- Quercetin
- Resveratrol
- Selenium
- Superoxide dismutase
- Uric acid
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zeaxanthin
NOTE: Anthocyanins and astaxanthin are two of the most powerful antioxidants. Anthocyanins are found in the skins of blue, black, purple and red berries, fruits and vegetables. Astaxanthin is found in red krill oil.
For more information about free radicals, antioxidants and cleansing the body see>> Cleanse and detoxify
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Cleanse and detoxify
- Gland disorders
- Hygiene toxins and health
- What to avoid and when
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