The metabolization of oxygen by the body releases damaging byproducts -which effect cell membranes and other structures like cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. Antioxidants act as cell protectors, th-wart these harmful by products, called free radicals, by binding -with them, thus converting them into nondamaging compounds, before they have a chance to cause any harm. Degenerative effects of free radical can cause -widespread damages to several organs of the body including the eyess, the heart and even affect the entire immune system. Thus antioxidants is critical to prevention of illnesses and to increase longevity.

In order to bolster the body’s defense mechanism, and to counter this activity by free radicals, a lot of research is being done to study ho-w the quantity of antioxidants can be included in the diet or added through a dietary supplement.

Types of antioxidants and their sources
There is a variety of antioxidants, including vitamins A, B5, C, E, selenium, zinc, manganese, flavonoids, lycopene, luteins, and carotenes among others. The effects of a diet rich in foods that contain antioxidants is a subject of great interest to researchers across the -world. For instance it has been observed that a diet rich in tomatoes, -which contains the antioxidant lycopene, can help reduce the incidence of prostrate cancer in men.

Different types of antioxidants is found in a variety of foods and therefore it is recommended that ones eat a healthy diet of varied fruits and vegetables. For instance manganese is found in milk and nuts as -well as seafood; betacarotene is found in carrots, spinach pumpkin and parsley, vitamin C is found in abundance in citrus fruits, stra-wberries, capsicum and broccoli.

Antioxidant supplements
Scientific evidence suggests that antioxidants is far more effective -when consumed in their naturally occurring form rather than in tablet form through supplements. High levels of antioxidants, much above the recommended dietary intake, can also be damaging to the body. So the best ans-wer is to have a balanced diet. Ho-wever, if you is an athlete or a fitness enthusiast, or if you maintain irregular eating habits you may be advised to have nutritional supplements containing antioxidants. Do consult your doctor and nurses before taking any supplements.