What are the effects of antioxidants on the body?

What are the effects of antioxidants on the body?

A diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases (including heart disease and certain cancers). Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. The protective effect of antioxidants continues to be studied around the world.

What happens when you take antioxidants?

Antioxidants are chemicals that help stop or limit damage caused by free radicals. Your body uses antioxidants to balance free radicals. This keeps them from causing damage to other cells. Antioxidants can protect and reverse some of the damage.

How do antioxidants work in the body?

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons. In making this sacrifice, they act as a natural “off” switch for the free radicals. This helps break a chain reaction that can affect other molecules in the cell and other cells in the body.

Are antioxidants harmful?

Research has found antioxidant supplements may cause more harm than good. A 2012 meta analysis of over 70 trials found antioxidant supplements are ineffective or even detrimental to health.

What is the theory behind antioxidants?

Antioxidant therapy The theory also suggests that ingesting antioxidants (e.g., vitamins A, C, E, K and other antioxidant nutrients) can slow the process of aging by neutralizing these free radicals from oxidizing biological molecules or reducing the formation of free radicals.

Are antioxidant supplements harmful?

The Bottom Line. Antioxidant supplements are commonly considered healthy but can be problematic when taken in excess. They may decrease exercise benefits and increase your risk of certain cancers and birth defects. Generally, it’s much better to get the antioxidants your body needs through a healthy diet.

Should you take antioxidants?

Do any foods act as antioxidants?

Your body has its own antioxidant defenses to keep free radicals in check. However, antioxidants are also found in food, especially in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based, whole foods . Several vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, are effective antioxidants.

Can antioxidants really help?

Antioxidants Fight Cancer. Antioxidants can help prevent cancer by neutralizing the effects of free radicals in the body. When free radicals build up, they can damage cells, including DNA. This cell damage can contribute to cancer development. Eating foods containing antioxidant nutrients can help your body neutralize these free radicals and

Are antioxidant supplements ineffective or harmful?

Research has found antioxidant supplements may cause more harm than good. A 2012 meta analysis of over 70 trials found antioxidant supplements are ineffective or even detrimental to health. The reasons are unclear, but the added nutritional benefits from consuming antioxidants in a healthy diet is likely to contribute to this.

Is too much antioxidant bad?

In certain scenarios, too much antioxidants can be bad for you. While vitamin C in an essential nutrient and also a powerful antioxidant, it can have a pro-oxidant effect in the body and create new free radicals.