Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that prevent and slow oxidation of other chemical compounds. 

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the transference of electrons from one substance to another oxidizing agent. 

Antioxidants cut back or even cancel out this process, reducing the number of free radicals released and stopping negative chain reactions from occurring.

Home Remedies using Antioxidants:

Sources of Antioxidants: Glutathione, vitamins A, C, and E, and certain enzymes all act as antioxidants. 

The complete list is much too long to expound upon here, and research is returning results that add new substances to the list frequently.

Home Remedies using Antioxidants:

Benefits and Uses of Antioxidants:

Antioxidant molecules reduce and relieve oxidative stress (caused by the imbalance of production of reactive oxygen versus a system’s ability to detoxify byproducts or repair damage) that can damage and kill cells.

Antioxidants are also useful as preservatives in food and cosmetics, as well as the prevention of degradation in rubber and gasoline. 

Antioxidants can also help prevent corrosion, as well.

In pharmacology, antioxidants are rising in popularity due to the implications that they can assist in treatment of many diseases and long term disorders. 

The medical field is particularly excited about perceived results in treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as maintenance of health that will reduce the risks of cancer and coronary heart disease through the prevention of oxidizing unsaturated fat and therefore avoiding rancidity.

Side Effects of Antioxidants:

Overdosing on some vitamins considered to be antioxidants can produce negative effects. 

Ingesting doses higher than 1000mg (1 gram) of vitamin C can inhibit the recovery of damaged muscles. 

Also, strong reducing acids such as the tannins in red wine can have an anti-nutritional effect, preventing the digestion and absorption of minerals such as zinc and iron.

Additional Information for Antioxidants:

Antioxidants are included in many over-the-counter health supplements and multivitamins in hopes of increasing intake that promotes healthy hearts and neurophysiology.