What are antioxidants? Where are antioxidants found?

According to Better Health Channel – Victoria’s Health website (Australia), oxidation causes chemical changes in the body , forming free radicals, damaging DNA and cells. The action of free radicals has been shown by many scientists to contribute to the aging process of the body, to the formation of cancer, heart disease and diabetes in humans.

We often hear on the radio and television that ” Antioxidants will help prevent aging, prevent cancer or many other diseases” , so what is an antioxidant really? Find out through the following article.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants, also known as antioxidants, are natural chemicals that play a role in inhibiting the destruction of free radicals , avoiding the damage that free radicals cause to cells and protecting cells. . At the same time, antioxidants help slow down the aging process of the body.

Although called “antioxidants”, this is not the name of a specific substance , it is just a general name for substances with antioxidant effects . For example: vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, manganese,…

Health effects of antioxidants

Antioxidants have the effect of dealing with free radicals , contributing to health promotion and disease limitation. In addition, antioxidants can protect and prevent damage caused by oxidation.

Health effects of antioxidants

What foods do you add antioxidants to?

Plant-based foods are rich sources of antioxidants . Antioxidants are most abundant in fruits and vegetables , in nuts, whole grains, and some meats (poultry and fish, etc.).

Here are some antioxidants and their natural food sources:

• Vitamin A: liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk and egg yolks.

• Vitamin C: oranges, kiwis, mangoes, broccoli, capsicums and strawberries.

• Vitamin E: vegetable oils (such as wheat oil), avocados, nuts and whole grains.

• Zinc: seafood, lean meats, dairy and nuts.

• Allium sulfur compounds: leeks, onions and garlic.

• Copper, Manganese: seafood, lean meat, milk and nuts.

• Selenium: seafood, offal, lean meats and whole grains.

Antioxidants are abundant in these foods, so the best way to get them is to build a varied diet with meat, fish, vegetables, seeds, and whole grains.

If you are supplementing with artificial antioxidants using oral vitamin A, E or selenium supplements, it is better to consult your doctor before using them . Substances in oral drugs often have higher concentrations than in natural products , overdose can cause vitamin excess, which is harmful to the body .

Antioxidants used in cosmetics

Antioxidants used in cosmetics

Common antioxidants used in cosmetics include the following:

• Vitamin E: Found in sunscreens, serums, moisturizers
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps reduce wrinkles, dull skin and uneven skin tone
• Resveratrol: An antioxidant found in blueberries and red grapes, often found in moisturizers and eye creams.
• Retinol: Found in moisturizers, serums
• Green Tea: A natural antioxidant found in many cosmetics

How to identify cosmetics containing antioxidants?

How to identify cosmetics containing antioxidants?

To know if a cosmetic contains antioxidants, look at the ingredients on the label. Ingredients contain: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Resveratrol, Retinol, Green Tea, … are all effective antioxidants.

Learn more: The harmful effects of too much vitamin C

See more : You can check all harmful ingredients in cosmetics with this way

Antioxidants work to prevent premature aging as well as degenerative diseases of our body. Let’s design meals scientifically, eat a variety of foods to provide many different nutrients for your body!

Source: Better Health Channel

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