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Antioxidants: Natural Protection Against Free Radicals

Understanding the functions of different antioxidants and how to protect cell health through diet and supplements.

Sep 12, 2024 • 66 views
Antioxidants: Natural Protection Against Free Radicals
Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. In modern life, we are constantly exposed to various factors that produce free radicals, including pollution, stress, UV rays, and poor dietary habits. Adequate antioxidant intake is crucial for maintaining health.

Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that attack healthy cells, causing DNA damage, protein denaturation, and lipid peroxidation. Long-term oxidative stress is closely related to aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Major antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lycopene, polyphenolic compounds, etc. Each antioxidant has its specific site of action and mechanism, working synergistically to form the body's antioxidant defense network.

Vitamin C mainly acts in aqueous environments, protecting cytoplasm and blood components; vitamin E protects lipids in cell membranes; carotenoids like lycopene and beta-carotene can quench singlet oxygen; polyphenolic compounds have broad antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The best antioxidant strategy is to obtain various antioxidants through a diverse diet, rather than relying on a single supplement. Fruits and vegetables of different colors contain different antioxidants, following the "rainbow diet" principle is a good choice.

Recommended Intake

Recommended to obtain through natural foods
Supplement dosages should consult professionals
Avoid excessive intake of single antioxidants

Food Sources

  • Various colored fruits and vegetables (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • Green and black tea
  • Dark chocolate
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Spices (turmeric, cinnamon, cloves)
  • Red wine (moderate)

Precautions

  • High-dose supplements may have reverse effects
  • Some antioxidants may affect chemotherapy effectiveness
  • Smokers should avoid high-dose beta-carotene
  • May interact with medications

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