The Work Of Antioxidants

Antioxidants by nature are substances (molecules) that significantly inhibit the rate of cells oxidation. They protect cells from the damage effects of oxygen radicals, which are highly reactive chemicals that have been reported to have a causative role in atherosclerosis, cancer and several other diseases including age-related

macular degeneration and cataract in humans. Thus, it is proposed that antioxidants have a protective effect on these conditions.

A free radical is an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron that is chemically reactive. This occurs when an atom loses an electron due to stress, toxins or even normal metabolism. This makes the atom unstable and it races around the body looking for the electron it has lost. In the process, it steals electron from other atoms, which causes a chain reaction that damages and deforms the body cells and ultimately causes their death. Over time, this results in symptoms such as decrease energy, a weaker immune system, memory loss, heart problems and ultimately, a shorter life. 

Antioxidant acts by neutralizing free radicals (by donating the lost electrons) and thus helps remove them by converting them into less damaging and less reactive molecules. 

A change in lifestyle has lead to more free radicals in our daily lives, for example pollutants such as cigarette smoke and smog, smoke from automobiles and factories and last but not least, junk foods, which also reduces the dietary intake of natural antioxidants.

Although oxidation reactions are crucial for life, they can also be damaging. Plants and animals maintain complex systems of multiple type of antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and various peroxides. Insufficient level of antioxidants or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes cause oxidative stress and damage or kill cells.

Antioxidants are widely used in dietary supplements and have been investigated for the prevention of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, Age-related macular degeneration, cataract and even altitude sickness. Supplemental neutraceutical antioxidants, a term used for therapeutic doses of nutrients with antioxidant properties, are used for prevention and treatment of deficiency of antioxidant. Studies have shown that with rare exceptions, vitamins and minerals in the correct dosage are safe.

Initially, there was a lot of controversy regarding the protective effect of antioxidants for both systemic and ocular use. Both in recent past, several clinical trials have suggested that their role is beneficial.

Majority of the preventive antioxidants are produced in the body (endogenous) examples include; superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, ceruloplasmin, transferrin ete. The most important antioxidants are the following; carotinoids (vitamin A), vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, zinc, manganese and copper, the first three are vitamins while the last four are minerals. The carotinoids are extremely vital in the eyes.

To slow down the body’s oxidation, observe the following rules.

• Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts, Eat a rainbow of all colors of fruits and vegetables. 
• Stop or at least limit eating fasting or junk foods. 
•  Stop cigarette smoking. 
• Stop drinking alcohol but if you must drink, drink in moderation, preferably only red wines. 
• Avoid exposure to environmental pollutants.
• Exercise on a daily basis. 
• Get annual medical baseline check-ups.
• If required, supplementation of diet with antioxidants may be prescribed and monitored.
• The dosage of antioxidants should be correct.

If you follow the above rules, there is a high chance that you would be protected from the harmful