Antioxidants

Antioxidants

The cells in our body are exposed to various infections and threats of microbes. Another important threat comes from bad chemicals called free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells. They work in our cells just like our bodies. The cell must take nutrients in order to continue its life, and after converting these nutrients into energy, it leaves the residues out of the cell. The wastes thrown out of this cell are free radicals. You may think of it as feces or litter. Free radicals are formed in our bodies by the air we breathe, except the cell wastes.

Free radicals have many shapes, sizes and chemical configurations and can even modify instructions encoded in the DNA sequence. If trapped in an artery wall, they can make a low-density lipoprotein (LDL, sometimes called bad cholesterol) molecule. Or it changes the membrane of the cell, changes the flow of what enters the cell and leaves it without food, leading to cell death.

How will the body defend itself against these free radicals? We're never vulnerable. For this brutal attack, our bodies form molecules that destroy free radicals. We also buy free radical fighters from food. The fighters who fight and destroy these free radicals and throw them out of the body are called “antioxidants.. Antioxidants such as sweepers, cleaners, scavengers are attached to understandable names.

Although there are hundreds of substances that serve as antioxidants, the most familiar are vitamin C, vitamin E, p-carotene minerals, selenium, astaxanthin, coenzyme Q10 and manganese. However, apart from these, the sumac, cloves, mint, cinnamon, echinacea, green tea, which are consumed a lot in our country and which many people do not know as an antioxidant, are among the most powerful antioxidants in the world.

DUTIES OF ANTIOXIDANTS

There is a general misconception about antioxidant substances. This error is thought to be the same as every antioxidant, but it is not. Because the term antioxidant is a chemical term and as a result of the interaction of substances with antioxidants with different tasks are formed. Another major misunderstanding is that the antioxidants are interchangeable. Each has its own chemical behavior and biological properties. They develop as parts of detailed networks, each of which plays slightly different roles with different matter (or matter family). This means that a single substance cannot do the work of the whole crowd. Considering the antioxidant as a combatant force, there are warriors fighting with the same enemy but advancing in different ways and tactics. This is the antioxidant content we receive from food warriors. One should not forget that all these troops are needed in a war.

In the 1990s, scientists began to understand that arterial occlusion caused damage to free radicals in the early stages of atherosclerosis, and as a result of increased scientific studies found that free radicals could contribute to cancer, vision loss, and many other chronic conditions. Some studies have shown that these chronic conditions are more common in people with low antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetable intake. Clinical trials have begun to test the effect of single substances, especially beta carotene and vitamin E as a weapon against heart disease, cancer and the like.

 

the astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a chemical group called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in some algae and causes pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp and other seafood. You can visit our Astaxanthin page.

lutein

Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), a six-year study, found that the combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc provides protection against the development of macular degeneration in people with a high risk of cataract disease. Lutein, a naturally occurring carotenoid found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and cabbage, can also maintain vision. However, relatively brief trials of lutein supplementation for age-related macular degeneration have yielded conflicting findings. A new trial of the AREDS supplementation regimen and lutein, zeaxanthin and fish oil is underway. This trial may provide more precise information about antioxidants and macular degeneration.

Vitamin E

This antioxidant is stored in fat (also known as fat soluble). Fights free radicals attacking fat in cell walls It can also cause LDL cholesterol to become a form that can harden your arteries (your doctor may say it may be oxidized) and cause cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E

Where to Buy Vitamin E: Whole grains, vegetable oils (olives, sunflowers, canola), nuts and green leafy vegetables.

C vitamin

 

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, soluble in water. It can help prevent stomach, lung and digestive system cancers.

Where to buy: Green vegetables, tomatoes and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. Select raw foods because cooking can destroy vitamin c in foods.

Beta Carotene

An oil-soluble carotenoid (yellow, orange and red pigments in vegetables and fruits). The body converts it to retinol, which helps to see. It is best to take directly from food.

Where to buy: Fruits, cereals, carrots, zucchini, spinach and other green vegetables.

lycopene

It can help protect against carotenoid, prostate, lung and breast cancer.

Where to buy: Cooked and processed tomatoes are a good and common source for lycopene. It is recommended to be consumed as tomato sauce in your pasta. The heating of tomatoes makes it easier for your body to absorb lycopene. Add some olive oil to help your body use these nutrients.

Selenium

This mineral found in soil and water helps your thyroid to work. Research suggests that it may help to protect against lung, colon and prostate cancer in particular. Taking too much can cause digestive problems, hair and nail loss and even cirrhosis of the liver.

Where to buy: Cereals, onions, garlic, nuts, soybeans, seafood, meat and liver.

flavonoids

Scientists know more than 4000 of these antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Each plant contains a different flavonoid combination. They can help protect against heart disease, cancer, arthritis, aging, cataracts, memory loss, stroke, inflammation and infection.

Where you get them: green tea, grapes, red wine, apples, chocolate and fruits.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Omega 3s help protect against heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cataracts and cancer. Omega 6s help prevent eczema, psoriasis and osteoporosis. Your body cannot make these essential fatty acids that help prevent inflammation and must be taken from the outside.

Where to buy: Omega-3: Salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, Omega 6: Vegetable oils, nuts, poultry

ANTIOXIDANTS PRODUCED IN OUR BODY

Superoxide dismutase

catalase

Glutathione peroxidase

WHAT TO DO WHEN CHOOSING ANTIOXIDANT SUPPLEMENT

Get information from reliable sources first. Note that antioxidant supplements may interact with medications or other supplements. Your doctor can advise you.