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Antioxidants are a class of nutrients that protect the body from damage
caused by different factors, most importantly oxidative damage caused by
substances called free radicals. Free radicals are known as “reactive oxygen
species”, or ROS. They are produced when your body uses oxygen for energy. Just
as fire emits smoke as a by-product, ROS are emitted from the conversion of
oxygen to energy in the human body, eventually causing oxidative damage to body
systems. Free radicals are also created when the body is exposed to pollution,
cigarette smoke, car exhaust and other harmful environmental toxins.
There are different types of antioxidants, and most work better when paired
with other antioxidants. This is called synergism. Vitamins can be antioxidants,
such as vitamins C and E. The tripeptide glutathione, loosely classified as an
amino acid, acts as an antioxidant, along with other true amino acids such as
methionine. The raw herbs and vegetables we consume contain natural antioxidants
called bioflavonoids and carotenoids, which are effective antioxidants on their
own, but are more effective when synergistically combined with other
antioxidants. Together these nutrients protect your cells from electron robbery
at the hands of larcenous free radicals, protecting the body from disease and
slowing the inevitable signs of aging.
Antioxidants are important supplements for everyone, but especially for those
who exercise on a regular basis. The rational is that exercise is a highly
oxidative process and, as a consequence, produces free radicals from aerobic
metabolism. Antioxidant compounds help alleviate this process.
Benefits
• minimizes the damage from free radicals
• protects against
cell damage
• may assist with prevention of debilitating diseases
About The Author
Chester Ku-Lea is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of www.AstroNutrition.com - a provider of premium health
nutrition and sports supplements.
chester@astronutrition.com |
