Antioxidants are compounds that can protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are substances formed by the digestion of food, or by agents in the environment such as radiation or tobacco smoke. Free radicals can lead to cellular damage, infection and illness. In addition, they may play a role in the development of heart disease and some types of cancer. Many vitamins act as antioxidants in your body, including vitamin A, C and E.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant and therefore acts to protect your body's cells from free radical damage. As a result, vitamin A can be important to help prevent illness and infection. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that your body requires for normal vision, reproduction, and bone strength. It can help strengthen your immune system, making you better able to fight disease and illness. You can find vitamin A in many foods including liver, eggs, whole milk, sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that can protect you from the effects of free radicals. This can help prevent the development of conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and arthritis. If you are deficient in this vitamin, you may experience dry hair, bleeding gums, dry skin and a reduced rate of wound healing. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some research indicates that vitamin C can act as an antioxidant to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis, a condition that contributes to heart disease. You can find this vitamin in many foods including oranges, limes, lemons, kiwis, bell peppers and broccoli.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant in your body. Its role as an antioxidant can help this vitamin play a role in prevention of illness and disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin A may aid in the prevention of heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease, because of its antioxidant effects. Studies are mixed and more evidence is required. However, including vitamin E in your daily diet can be a healthy choice. Good food sources include olive oil, avocado, nut butter, almonds and spinach.
Effects of Antioxidants on Asthma
A study in the 2009 issue of " Thorax" reviewed the association of dietary antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, on the incidence of asthma. This study found that people who consume low vitamin A and C in their diet had an increased risk of developing asthma and wheezing symptoms. Vitamin E did not have an effect. Therefore, increasing your dietary intake of these vitamins can be helpful in fighting illnesses, such as asthma.
References
- MedlinePlus: Antioxidants
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin A
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin E
- " Thorax": Association Between Antioxidant Vitamins And Asthma Outcome Measures: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. (2009). Allen, Britton, Leonardi-Bee. 64;7
Member Comments