Antioxidants

Antioxidants – you hear the word bandied about in the press and on television, but what are they? Supposedly they are good for you, but good in what way? Here are answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions about antioxidants.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are naturally-occurring substances found in many foods; they are generally referred to as a member of the vitamin family, and they help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Technically, an antioxidant is any product that slows or prevents the oxidation of other molecules. When oxidation occurs, free radicals are released; it is these free radicals that damage cells in the body. Antioxidants form a ‘buffer’ between the body and such free radicals.

Oxidation within the human body is now being widely studied. It is believed to potentially play a part in, or even be a main cause of, various diseases from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to cancer and strokes. If the body can be protected from the progression of these diseases, or even their onset, individuals would live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.

Different Types of Antioxidants

We are all familiar by now with the most well-known of the antioxidants, vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Although found in both plants and animals, it is abundant in citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, but also in often-overlooked products such as papayas and strawberries.

Melatonin is another antioxidant that significantly impacts overall health. Melatonin has been shown to have an effect on the sleep cycle, and individuals with low melatonin levels often experience poor sleep length and quality. Melatonin easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing its beneficial aspects to enter the cerebrospinal fluid and thereafter the brain. Supplementation with melatonin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of cluster headaches as well as migraines. There is early evidence of interaction with the human immune system, though studies are still being conducted to discover the full extent of this interaction.

Benefits of Antioxidants

Even if all the effects of antioxidants are not yet known, what we do know is that antioxidants form an important part of the human body and thus are of crucial importance to overall health. At therapeutic levels, the beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation may lessen the effects of aging and disease. Even at maintenance levels, antioxidants may help maintain the body at peak condition and vigor.

In addition to the damage wrought by free radicals within the body, external contact with chemicals, heavy metals, tobacco and poisons – just to name a few – expose an individual to a barrage of aging compounds. Antioxidants are the first level of defense. They protect the body from free radicals, and at therapeutic levels may even help repair existing damage.

To ensure that one is consuming adequate amounts of antioxidants, it is wise to consider the use of antioxidant supplements such as The Ultimate Antioxidant from Baseline Nutritionals which provide rich benefits from various plants and herbs. While supplements should not be used as a substitute for unprocessed fruits and vegetables, they are essential for a less than optimal diet.