Antioxidant is a popular term in all health care articles. We always encounter
such a term whenever we read or browse health articles in the papers, books or
magazines. Moreover, almost all advertisements and commercials of beauty and
health products always mention antioxidants.
The question to ask ourselves is what it is and what can it do to our body.
Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent the oxidation of other chemicals. In
biological systems, the normal processes of oxidation produce highly reactive
free radicals that can readily react with and damage other molecules which may
continue to damage even the body's own cells. Antioxidants play the
housekeeper's role, "mopping up" free radicals before they get a chance to do
harm in your body.
Although all the hype about antioxidants slowing down the signs of aging and
promoting skin rejuvenation do not have a solid scientific basis, most skin
experts are claiming that antioxidant vitamins and minerals can help in our
overall well being by combating the free radicals in our body.
Here are several antioxidant nutrients which appear the most likely to produce
benefits to your skin:
Vitamin A or Beta Carotene. It has been discovered that beta-carotene protects
dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits from solar radiation damage
and it is thought that it plays a similar role in human body. Carrots, squash,
broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and
apricots are particularly rich sources of beta-carotene.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is a water-soluble compound that fulfills
antioxidant role, among others, in living systems. Important sources include
citrus fruits (like oranges, sweet lime etc.), green peppers, broccoli, green
leafy vegetables, strawberries, raw cabbage and tomatoes.
Vitamin E is a principal fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin in the body. It
protects cellular membranes, lipoproteins and other "oily" structures. Skin is
high in unsaturated fatty acids ("oily" molecules especially susceptible to free
radical damage), and can benefit from vitamin E protection (both oral and
topical). Sources include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, whole grains, green leafy
vegetables, vegetable oil and fish-liver oil.
Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant pigments with antioxidant properties
that contain proanthocyanins and polyphenols that are good for the skin. These
substances are responsible for color in many fruits, vegetables and flowers. In
addition to providing color that attracts insects or animals, these pigments
protect plants from environmental stress. In addition to being potent
antioxidants, some flavonoids have anti-allergic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral
and anti-inflammatory activity. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been characterized
and classified, but only a few have been researched.
Coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, cysteine and methionine are potent antioxidants.
Learn which
skin products are right for you!
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