Antioxidants for Long-Term Health

June 19, 2024 | ProNatural Wellness Team

You’ve probably heard of antioxidants, and know that they are good for your body. Health magazines, websites, and experts talk about them all the time. But do you know how they work, and what they can do for your long-term health? Let’s dive in!

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are a category of nutrients that help the body prevent or repair cell damage. Cell damage can lead to diseases like cancer, so getting plenty of antioxidants in your diet will reduce your risk of disease by fixing this damage and slowing the onset of illness. Vitamin E, carotenes, and Vitamin C are just a few of the many antioxidants out there.

How do antioxidants work?

As the cells of the body work to process oxygen, they create a by-product called free radicals. These are unstable molecules that damage the DNA of our cells. Over the long term, free radicals can damage enough cells to lead to diseases like heart disease, macular degeneration, and cancer.

Scientifically, free radical molecules lack the number of electrons they need for stability. When they come into contact with a cell, they take one of that cell’s electrons. That cell, in turn, takes an electron from another cell, creating a chain reaction of instability. This is where antioxidants come in. Antioxidant enzymes neutralize free radicals by giving them the electron they need to stabilize. Neutralized free radicals do not interact with the cells, and thus are unable to cause damage.

What foods contain antioxidants?

In addition to being made by the body, antioxidants can also come from foods and supplements. A balanced diet should include plenty of antioxidant-containing foods. It’s easy to find foods rich in antioxidants. Some common sources include:

  • Whole grains
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Berries
  • Orange and yellow vegetables
  • Greens
  • Tomatoes

Antioxidants in some foods, like tomatoes and sweet potatoes, are easier to absorb when they are cooked. Others foods are more nutritious raw, such as berries. Many of these foods contain other vital nutrients, too. Give some of them a try and see what you enjoy most. Enjoy the foods that keep your body healthy!

You can also purchase antioxidant supplements from ProNatural Wellness’ online store, or from our office at 1263 Berlin Turnpike Unit B in Berlin, CT.

Sources: Medline Plus, NIH, Mayo Clinic