You've probably heard the word "antioxidants" many times -- from your doctor, during health segments on the news, in popular magazines and diet books. It's become something of a buzzword in the media and among health professionals, and for good reason. According to Columbia University Health Services, antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and carotenoids -- those last two are special plant-based nutrients -- that protect your body from damaging free radicals that can cause disease.
Background
Free radicals can do major damage to your cells. In essence, free radicals are byproducts of oxygen, which is given off when your body digests food, says the Cleveland Clinic. Environmental factors, such as smoke, air pollution and sun exposure, also produce free radicals. These environmental free radicals do damage to your body too, especially your skin. Since you can't avoid free radicals altogether, antioxidants are crucial for good health.
Antioxidants and Disease
These super-powerful nutrients help fend off some pretty serious diseases. The Cleveland Clinic states that the antioxidants found in food deactivate disease-causing free radicals, which keeps them from doing damage. People who eat diets high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, for example, show lower rates of heart disease than those who do not. Columbia University notes that studies have shown a link between free radicals and several other diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, stroke and macular degeneration. Because antioxidants neutralize free radicals, they likely help keep these diseases at bay, although more and better research on this is needed.
Sources
Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, especially vividly colored produce like carrots, beets, bell peppers, spinach, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, melons and mangoes. Some antioxidant nutrients are also found in nuts, whole grains, certain vegetable oils and other healthy foods. While antioxidant supplements exist, research on the use of antioxidant supplements have not supported the idea that they prevent disease, says the Cleveland Clinic. Therefore, experts recommend you obtain your antioxidants in their natural state, from fresh and nutritious foods.
Precautions
Always consult your physician before beginning a new diet or trying supplements of any kind. Your doctor can give you more detailed advice regarding the role of antioxidants in your health. Keep in mind that no nutrient can guarantee you will not develop a serious disease in your life, even if you're generally healthy and eat an antioxidant-rich diet. Your doctor can evaluate your risks for particular diseases and advise you on prevention efforts in addition to a healthy diet.
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