Antioxidants counteract free radicals to protect body cells from an adverse pathological condition. Free radicals are one of the major concerns of medical science. It is produced consistently in the cells as a by product of normal cellular function and by exposure to harmful radiations, pollution and chemicals. Many malignant and fatal diseases are caused by free radicals. Hence the role of antioxidants in the body is very important as it prevents oxidative damage. It can be derived from essential nutrients and a group of plant chemicals or phytonutrients. (1)

What is Oxidative Stress and Resulting Diseases?

Consistent accumulation of free radicals in the body generates phenomenal stress known as oxidative stress. It is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals. This leads to several diseases, like, degenerative illness, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic illness. Some of the chronic diseases are:

• Free radicals stimulate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to block artery walls, therefore, increases susceptibility to coronary heart disease
• One of the major effects of free radical is to damage the DNA of the cells, which triggers cancer
• It damages nerve cells of the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease
• Accelerates the aging process
• Lowers bone density and inflames joints

Also Read- Nutraceuticals and its Role in Promoting Skin Health

Natural Sources & Risk factors

Free radicals are derived from the endogenous metabolic process in the body. This metabolic process influences phagocytic activities, mitochondrial respiration, is chaemia, arachidonate pathways, and inflammation.

Some of the risk factors of getting exposed to free radicals are environmental causes, harmful industrial chemicals, age, genetic factors, lifestyle choices, pathogens, and radiation.

Protecting oneself from exposure to free radicals is not possible. However, the effect can be neutralized or lowered by consuming antioxidant based food or dietary supplement. The best way to fighting diseases with foods is to know the food value and intake it properly.

The role of antioxidants in cancer and respiratory diseases prohibition is considered as a priority. Therefore, medical practitioners suggest intoxicant rich diets. (2)

Nutrients Containing Antioxidants

The role of antioxidants in human health is unparalleled. It is found majorly in plant based food, however, it is also found in some animal based foods. Essential macro and micronutrients consisting of antioxidants are:

• Vitamin C – Citrus foods, mangoes, broccoli, capsicum, spinach
• Vitamin E – Whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils
• Vitamin A – Carrots, sweet potatoes, egg yolk, liver, milk
• Copper – Milk, nuts, seafood, lean meat
• Zinc – Dairy products, nuts, seafood
• Selenium – Whole grains, seafood, offal
• Manganese – Nuts, milk, seafood (3)

Phytochemicals are a potent source of antioxidants:

• Flavonoids – Tea (especially green tea), apples, citrus food, onions, red wine
• Indoles – Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
• Polyphenols – Oregano, thyme, cloves, soy, beans, berries
• Phytoestrogens–Pear, grapes, plum, beans, sprouts, tea, cabbage, wine,
• Lignans – Flaxseed, sesame seed
• Beta-carotene – Apricot, mango, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, parsley
• Glutathione – Asparagus, avocado, okra, spinach
• Coenzyme Q10 – oranges, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, soybeans, peanuts, organ meats, fatty fish
• Lipoic acid – Carrots, tomatoes, rice bran, yeast, red meat
• Allium sulphur compounds – Garlic, leeks, onions
• Catechins – Tea, red wine (4)

Nutraceuticals Extended a Promising Platform

Amidst the sedentary lifestyle, pollution, and adulterated food production system, deriving antioxidants from dietary components is challenging. To bridge the gap, the nutraceuticals discipline has come up with a promising platform in a cost-effective package. It has created hype and hope in keeping away from medicines and diseases.

Anzen Exports, an India based pharmaceutical exporter has extended its wings in gratifying this industry with nutraceutical extracts. We have in stock more than 25 categories of therapeutic extracts under nutraceuticals.

The Take Home

A routine diet plan enriched with organic foods and essential nutrients can extend the life span and keep body healthy and fit. Along with that regular exercises, a proper lifestyle, and taking the right medicine with a doctor’s advice is beneficial for strengthening immunity. Furthermore, fortified food or dietary supplements can be taken on genuine need and dietician’s advice.

Share your comments, lifestyle suggestion, and diet suggestion in the comment section. For any inquiry feel free to connect with us.

Disclaimer:

Anzen Exports’ blog posts are based just on our research from cited websites. To be best informed, we advise consulting a doctor about an ingredient or medicine prior to taking it.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic
   Website – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/antioxidants/sls-20076428#:~:text=Antioxidants%20are%20substances%20that%20may,to%20tobacco%20smoke%20or%20radiation.
2. NCBI
   Website – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093095/
3. Better Health
   Website – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/antioxidants
4. Harvard T.H. Chan
   Website – https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/