Antioxidants, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, have been shown to have beneficial long-term health effects. Additionally, some studies conclude that antioxidants can slow or prevent the onset of cancer. For these reasons, antioxidants are widely recommended to be a major component of your diet.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances found in foods, which prevent damage to the body by protecting cell from molecules known as free radicals. The human body uses oxygen through the process of oxidation. Side products of this process are free radicals, unstable molecules which can lead to diseases, such as cancer. Antioxidants work by stabilizing free radicals and preventing any damage they may to the body's cells.
Examples of Antioxidants
Common antioxidants include vitamins and minerals, most notably Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium and beta carotene. These nutrients are found most abundantly in fruits and vegetables, so including these foods in your diet can be very beneficial. Food sources, such as carrots, broccoli, tomatoes and citrus fruits, are abundant in antioxidants, as well as nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry and eggs.
How Antioxidants Can Prevent Cancer
Free radicals are molecules missing electrons, which makes them more reactive than stable molecules. The most common free radical in the body is oxygen. When oxidation occurs, oxygen tries to take electrons from other molecules. This process however, causes serious damage to the DNA and other molecules. Over a prolonged period of time, this process can cause serious health problems, including cancer. Antioxidants perform a vital role by stabilizing free radicals and preventing them from taking electrons from other molecules, thus preventing the damage done by free radicals.
Laboratory Studies
According to the National Cancer Institute, laboratory studies have shown that antioxidants are able to slow and possibly prevent cancer from developing. However, while antioxidants have been proven to prevent damage to cells, recent trials have shown inconsistent results as to the extent of the effect they have on the prevention of cancer.
Recommendations
While the role of antioxidants in cancer prevention is still unclear, it has been proven that antioxidants are beneficial for your long term health. Additionally, the common antioxidants, including vitamins and minerals, are extremely beneficial to your health aside from their possible cancer preventing capabilities. Vitamins and minerals perform a list of vital functions in the body. It is best to incorporate fruits and vegetables and other antioxidant food sources into your diet.
