The medical world has divided opinions about antioxidant vitamins. They prevent the free radicals from damaging cells and thus they fight old age and chronic disease. Vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) are the main antioxidant vitamins. It has become common practice to take some antioxidant supplement to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and stay young.
Medical precautions!
At the moment, it is not 100% sure that antioxidant vitamins are really working for the treatment of heart disease. Instead of taking supplements, people are encouraged to eat a balanced diet, getting nutrients from all the major food categories. Antioxidant vitamins are normally taken from food and they are enough to keep you healthy. Better consume nuts, whole grains and fruits instead of supplements!
Other natural antioxidants!
Besides vitamin A, E and C, the body uses other substances and chemicals to fight the formation of the free radicals. It is good to know that free radicals appear not only as by-products of cellular activity but are also released because of sun exposure and pollution. Zinc, selenium, grape seed extract, gingko biloba and green tea have a powerful antioxidant action. Some of these are available in the form of herbal supplements, while the others can be taken directly from food. Have several fruit servings per day and drink one or two cups of green tea.
Physical exercises and antioxidant vitamins!
Very intense physical activity after long rest periods do more harm than good because they accelerate the release of free radicals and their damage rate. Do regular physical activity and use antioxidant vitamins to keep free radicals under control. Regular exercises are known to enhance the body’s defenses ensuring protection against free radicals. Nevertheless scientists can hardly give an answer to whether a supplementation of antioxidant vitamins will better help an athlete deal with cellular oxidation.
Whether to take antioxidant vitamins or not!
A balanced diet is preferable to the use of supplements, and all experts agree on that. A decade ago antioxidant vitamin enjoyed an excellent reputation, but their health effect is no longer believed to be that positive. At present, scientists are becoming more aware of the interactions and the potential toxicity of antioxidant supplements. Stick to a balanced lifestyle and try not to over-supplement because that could do more harm than good. Our bodies are too finely tuned, and the defense mechanisms should work automatically as long as we provide the right nutrients!
Tags: Antioxidant Vitamins, vitamins