Antioxidants .... what are they

So ..... We must eat more anti oxidants.... but what are they and what do they do?

Anti oxidants are popping up everywhere, in our face washes, Skin creams, cereals, supplements but what is this 'magical' ingredient that we are constantly being told to utilise more of?

Consider this as beginners guide to what antioxidants are, their role in exercise, anti aging and overall health
So here is some very very basic science........

Cells in the body are composed different types of molecules. Molecules are made up of one or more atoms,

An atom is made up of a nucleus, electrons, protons and neutrons. It is the electrons chemical reaction that bonds the atoms together to form molecules.

Metabolism is the word used to describe a chemical reaction within the cells which keeps all living organisms alive. This reaction in the cells is what produces energy for the body to utilize. It is during this chemical reaction that 'free radicals' are formed.

A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that have one or more unpaired electrons. When an atom loses an electron it tries to 'steal' an electron from another atom, often resulting in a dangerous chain reaction.

This dangerous reaction damages the cells integrity and causes what is known as oxidization.

The damage caused by Free radicals has been linked to

cancer,

heart disease,

strokes,

ageing,

diabetes,

arthritis,

fibromyalgia,

Parkinson’s Disease,

Alzheimer's,

autoimmune diseases,

cognitive decline,

and eye conditions

Hence why we require 'Anti Oxidants'. Antioxidant compounds can “donate” electrons to free radicals eliminating the need to steal electrons from other cells.


Any cell deterioration will play roll in cell life and cell reproduction and has a huge impact in ageing of the body.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/antioxidants