A lot of doctors mention benefits of antioxidants intake in preventing and fighting several diseases. Now the question is what are antioxidants exactly? These are substances that protect the human body against free radicals are known as anti-oxidants. These free radicals are sometimes the reason behind heart diseases, cancer, and other chronic and life-threatening diseases. Free radicals form during the process of metabolism when the body is breaking down food and also when a person is exposed to tobacco smoke.
Health comes before everything else in life. If a person is healthy he can get everything else; however, poor health can cause hindrance in every small and big step in life. It is easier to regain the lost wealth, but it is exceptionally hard to regain the lost health. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is advised to take anti-oxidants vitamins according to the doctor’s prescription. This practice will keep the body healthy and prevent a lot of diseases that otherwise could completely weaken your body. Following are some of the benefits of antioxidants:
Improves cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular health is very important to maintain otherwise it can disrupt your complete lifestyle. It is essential to take care of it from a young age so that there is none or limited damage to control later in life. Anti-oxidants prevent the formation of plaque in the bloodstream. During the process of metabolism when the body is breaking down food and turning it into blood, anti-oxidant foods work as a barrier between the formations of substances that can turn into plaque later. It eventually controls the cholesterol level which is excellent for heart health. In short, anti-oxidants work for the oxidization of cholesterol.
Helps in preventing cancer
Cancer is a chronic and life-threatening disease and even more scary because of no cure available. It is caused when the free radical molecules are formed abnormally and damage the healthy cells in the body. Anti-oxidants prevent the formation of free radicals in the first place and hence it prevents any sort of damage to the cells. If in case the free radicals are already present, anti-oxidants help in stabilizing the free radicals by interacting with them and thus preventing the further damage caused by them. Chemotherapy is a form of antioxidants as well which targets the free radicals in the body and cures cancer.
Enhances cognitive health
Cognitive health is the functionality of the brain and its related activities. Oxidative stress plays a major role in brain weaknesses and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Anti-oxidants counteract the free radicals and the oxidative stress preventing damage to brain functioning and cognitive health. Patients with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia are prescribed anti-oxidant-rich food and supplements to control the damage and regain stability to some extent.
Strengthens immunity
The immune system might not look vital like the brain, heart, and lungs but the reality is that it is the powerhouse of the entire body. It prevents the body from contracting different diseases and maintains its health. An anti-oxidant diet helps in counteracting the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This oxidative stress is the primary reason for the weak immune system. When the immune system gets a boost with the help of anti-oxidant supplements it can work better and more efficiently to protect the human body from several different diseases. It is one of the most important benefits of antioxidants.
Promotes liver health
The liver is the station house of the body where the food is broken down during metabolism. Therefore, it is at the highest risk of free radical formation. An adequate amount of some of the best anti-oxidants balances the oxidative/antioxidative ratio which prevents the formation of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is formed when the oxidative/antioxidative stress is disrupted in the liver.
Delays aging
Aging is the process that every human being has to go through no matter what. However, several studies have suggested taking measures that can easily delay the process of aging or make it graceful. Taking anti-oxidants is one of those tricks. With age, the health deteriorates to some level; it includes the health of all different organs. However, heart health and skin health are the two most prominent changes that come with age. Antioxidants improve the immune system which enhances cardiovascular health and it increases the elasticity of the skin which makes it look firmer delaying the aging effects.
Benefits skin and hair
Skin and hair are the two organs that people usually ignore when it comes to taking care. However, just like all the other organs, they require time and attention as well to maintain their strength and health. One of the interesting benefits of antioxidants is that they prevent oxidation. That directly impacts the skin and hair and therefore, both of these regain health and stability. The skin does not get wrinkled, and saggy too fast. Similarly, the hair does not get thinner and rough when the antioxidants in the body are in a sufficient amount.
Neutralize free radicals in the body
Free radicals are partially harmful molecules that cause multiple health issues. Enzymes acting on the food and breaking it down forms them. During the process, these radicals release and can negatively impact the healthier cells in the body. Antioxidants help to neutralize these molecules and prevent any further damage that may or may not be caused.
There is nothing more precious than a healthy and happy body. Along with other things, antioxidant-rich food and diet are extremely beneficial as well. It has multiple benefits as discussed above which help the body in different spheres of life. These antioxidant supplements are not limited to any one organ or function of the body, but it impacts collectively and improves the overall health. If your doctor has prescribed you these supplements or diet, make sure to follow them properly to regain your health or manage the symptoms of the respective diseases. We have discussed all the benefits of antioxidants so you can enlighten yourself and decide accordingly!
