What Is an Antioxidant
Throughout our lives, we marvel at the flawless functioning of our bodies, but after a certain age, the body starts to betray us, initiating the aging process by producing toxic substances, free radicals that damage the skin's collagen layer, and harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Certain vitamins found in plants have an effect that reduces this process. These vitamins, which have long been the subject of research and dedicated conferences, were grouped together in recent years under a single heading and given the name "antioxidants."
THE EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Just as our bodies have a self-destructive tendency, they also have healing properties provided by defense mechanisms. Foods that reinforce this and help us build resilience prevent the formation of free radicals and toxins through the anti-rust substances in their composition, and slow down aging. More importantly, they prevent the development of many diseases, cancer foremost among them. Antioxidants, which hold an important place among the body's cell-protection systems, carry out this function by neutralizing substances that can cause significant cell damage.
WHERE ARE ANTIOXIDANTS FOUND
Vitamins A, C and E, along with magnesium, selenium and zinc, are the primary antioxidants.
Antioxidants are the body's free radical control system: our body has a system that recognizes and neutralizes free radicals. This system includes enzymes along with many vitamins and minerals that act as antioxidants. The antioxidant system draws free radicals to itself and binds them before they can attack the cell membrane, DNA, and other cell components.
Antioxidants and aging: there is no escaping free radicals, and the defense mechanism functions healthily thanks to antioxidants. By eating a diet rich in antioxidants, the harm caused by free radicals can be reduced.
SLOWS DOWN AGING
Breakfast cereals: Oats, buckwheat flakes
Dairy products: Organic soy milk, gruyère, parmesan cheese and yogurt
Types of bread: Dark bread, whole-grain bread, barley, oat and rye bread
SPEEDS UP AGING
Breakfast cereals: Corn flakes, iron-fortified cereals
Dairy products: High-fat cheeses, iron-fortified milk
Types of bread: White bread, biscuits, pastries, pizza
You can find more information on this and related topics in my book “Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide.”