Antioxidation is a process based on antioxidants, also known as antioxidants.
Antioxidants are compounds responsible for neutralizing free oxygen radicals and preventing harmful oxidation processes occurring in the body.
Causes of oxygen free radicals
Daily mental as well as physical stress, lack of sleep, increasing fatigue, intense physical exertion , irregular lifestyle, environmental pollution, smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet and overexposure to the sun are factors that contribute to the formation of oxygen free radicals in the body.
What are free radicals ?
Free radicals cause oxidation processes that result in the destruction of cellular DNA structures. As a result, collagen and elastin fibers are damaged, resulting in faster aging of the skin and the development of a number of diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema.
Oxygen free radicals are also responsible for the development of many other diseases from various organs and systems, including. Macular degeneration, cataracts, cancer, sclerosis, asthma, Alzheimer’s.
Properties of antioxidants
Nowadays there is a lot of talk about antioxidants and their beneficial properties against cancer, reducing the risk of diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease, eye disease and slowing down the aging of the body.
Consuming enough antioxidants boosts immunity and slows down the aging process. To this end, it is a good idea to eat at least two meals each day consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables and use a well-balanced supplementation.
A regular supply of antioxidants supports the body’s natural protective mechanisms and preserves health and beauty for years to come.Antioxidants have a beneficial effect on the skin, counteracting, among other things. inflammatory changes.
Antioxidant substances are widely used in cosmetics also because they delay the skin aging process and show anti-aging effects.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and beta-carotene protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, reduce unsightly discoloration and stimulate collagen production.
It should be noted that antioxidants, in addition to inhibiting the damaging effects of free radicals, can even repair skin damage that occurs over time. The result is a smooth, soft and radiant complexion.
In addition, supplied with the diet, they inhibit the development of cancer, protect sensitive nervous tissue, reduce symptoms of stress and strengthen the immune system.These compounds protect unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation, which prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
Antioxidants also play a significant role in protecting the body from the onset of diabetes complications, as they reduce the effects of high blood sugar levels in the affected person. In addition, they protect against the development of ischemic heart disease, joint disease, cataracts, sclerosis, bronchitis and slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants
Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants interact in our body.
Endogenous antioxidants are produced inside our bodies, while exogenous ones are supplied from outside. They provide a defense shield against free radicals.
Endogenous antioxidants include melatonin, glutathione, estrogen, albumin, uric acid and lipoic acid, while exogenous vitamins include: C, A, E, lycopene, alpha carotene, beta carotene, polyphenols and lutein.
Coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, cobalt, copper and manganese are among both endogenous and exogenous antioxidants.Studies show that as we age and environmental pollution increases, the amount of antioxidant intake should increase. Therefore, it is worth enriching the daily diet with products rich in these beneficial active substances.
Plants and herbs with the highest antioxidant content (their free radical leveling power expressed in ORAC units) are m. including elderberry, cinnamon, turmeric, cacao, sumac, ginger, oregano, parsley, basil and saffron, astaxanthin from algae, thistle and, above all, cloves, which have nature’s highest antioxidant capacity.
Where do we find antioxidants?
Antioxidants are found in many of the products we consume every day:
- Vitamin A: dairy products, butter, egg yolks, fatty marine fish, yellow fruits, dark green and yellow vegetables;
- Provitamin A (beta – carotene): carrots, pumpkin, apricot, papaya, red bell peppers, tomato, parsley, sorrel, spinach, lettuce, sweet potatoes;
- Vitamin E: vegetable oils, nuts, sprouts, corn, spinach, Brussels sprouts, whole grain cereal products, savoy cabbage, mangoes, shelled wheat grains;
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, red peppers, parsley, currants, rosehips, strawberries, cauliflower, potatoes, cabbage;
- Selenium: Brazil nut, onion, garlic, mushrooms, shelled wheat kernels, rice;
- Zinc: oysters, whole grain cereal products, offal, meat, fish, pulses, vegetables and fruits;
- Polyphenols: red wine, tea: green, red and white.
Although plant foods, fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, a proper diet is not always enough. That’s why it’s worth betting on antioxidants in tablets, drops or capsules, which will give your body a powerful dose of valuable ingredients.
Julianna Żuchowska, M.Sc. in cosmetology
