Question

Find an article about a specific antioxidant or antioxidants as a whole, online or in any other form of media and review the article. The review should be a minimum of 1 page in length.

Answer 1

Oxidation is a process that produces free radicals. Free radicals can damage the cells of the organisms. Antioxidants prevent oxidation. Some of the antioxidants are produced by the organisms( Endogenous) like Glutathions, while others like Vitamin C and Vitamin E are acquired through the diet (Exogenous). There must be certain levels of the vitamins in the body to promote healthy functioning.

The free radical production in the body can be supported by internal body factors like inflammation or external factors like pollution, UV exposure , exposure to cigarette smoke etc. The antioxidants also helps to neutralize these free radicals and further stop the cellular damage.

What causes oxidative stress?

• Excessive exercise
• Trauma to the tissues due to injury
• Ischemia
• Consumption of processed foods, transfats, artificial sweetners, dyes and additives
• Smoking or passive smoking
• Polluted environment
• Radiation exposure
• Chemical exposure

All these can cause oxidative stress to the body by the release of free Iron or Copper ions, increase enzymatic action to produce free radicals, and disrupt electron transport chains.

Presence of antioxidants may reduce the production of free radicals as well as neutralize the free radicals produced.

The antioxidants are believed to have effect in reducing the risks of cardiac illness, neurologic diseases, visual problems, cancer development and slows down ageing.

Types of antioxidants:

The antioxidants that we get from diet are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lycopene, Lutein, beta carotene, selenium, manganese and Zeaxanthin.

Fruits and vegetables are the richest source of these anti oxidants. Green leafy foods, bright colored fruits and pink colored fruits as wells as dairy products are rich in antioxidants.

How to improve your antioxidant source in the body?

1. Add fruits or vegetable in every meal or snacks
2. Add foods that are rich in colours naturally eg: beetroot, spinach, berries
3. Have a cup of green tea daily
4. Including turmeric, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, oregano etc spice up the antioxidant content of the food.
5. Avoid foods artificially sweetened or artificially colored and choose nuts and seeds as snacks.

Over consumption of antioxidants also not supported by the researchers.