Importance of Antioxidants

Antioxidants play a major role in the body by way of fighting off infection and increasing the strength of the immune system.

A lifestyle rich in antioxidant foods and the proper types of supplements can go a long way in avoiding various diseases and chronic illnesses.

With an over abundance of exposure to free radicals in the environment along with the body’s production of toxic free radicals, oxidative stress is developed.  This contributes to deterioration of cells and organs in the body, and is what makes the need for antioxidants so crucial. 

When you provide your body with the right types of antioxidants, the free radicals are destroyed, enabling the immune system to work more efficiently.  A free radical is a molecule that has an unpaired electron.  Since electrons normally exist in pairs, the free radical makes its way through the body in search of a molecule to pair with this oddball.  However, the end result is the destruction of healthy cells.  In comes the antioxidant to the rescue, because the antioxidant is able to neutralize the free radical by providing that needed electron, thus stopping the destruction in its path. 

The uniqueness of the antioxidant is that it possesses the ability to maintain stability even when neutralizing the free radical, therefore the immune system is able to grow stronger.

There are many types of antioxidants and each offer their own benefit.  For example glutathione is naturally present in the body and actually gives other antioxidants such as Vitamins A & E a boost in strength and longevity towards regulating DNA repair.

Then selenium helps to prevent damage at the cellular level and enhance the immune system.

A variety of antioxidants can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables and providing healthy nutritious foods to your body is very beneficial.  Also when you supplement your diet with specific minerals such as zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids, you are providing your body with the tools to fight off disease and slow down the aging process.

By maximizing your supply of antioxidants in a variety of ways, you will nourish and support your immune system as well as cellular health.