What Is The Function Of Antioxidants In The Human Body?

By Peter Martin


A lot of health specialists are promoting vegetables and fruits as part of a daily diet. There are many good reasons to the suggestion; however one of the reasons is antioxidants that many veggies and fruits offer. Exactly what are antioxidants? Why are they extremely important?

Process of oxidation exists in all places from slice of pear turning brown to rust on a metal pipe. This is a natural activity that also occurs in a body. Our body system generally controls oxidation well, but at times it causes cell damage. The damaged cells are referred to as free radicals, molecules with unpaired electron. Since it is unpaired, it will try to steal an electron from other molecules. Anytime this effect gets extreme, it may lead to various health threats most notably cancer, heart problems and arthritis. Pollution, radiation and cigarette smoke add up to the development of free radicals as well. Antioxidants are compounds that counteract free radicals.

By supplying the missing electron to free radicals, antioxidants protect against cell damage. It is recommended to have foods and nutrients that come with antioxidants regularly to stay healthy. Lots of vegetables and fruits are a fantastic supply of antioxidants thanks to vitamins E and C. Vitamins are known to be among the best antioxidants. Fruits and veggies such as strawberry, kiwi, papaya, spinach, bell pepper, and broccoli are a good supply of vitamin C and E. But these vitamins are not the only source of antioxidants and in fact they are certainly not the best source.

More and more dieticians agree with the fact that Epigallocatechin or generally known as EGCG may be a better supply of antioxidants compared to vitamins E and C. Most researchers agree that EGCG is 100 times more efficient than vitamin C and 25 times more beneficial compared to vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. EGCG is a compound contained in tea. Many of the acknowledged green tea extract positive effects include preventions against depression, heart disease, cancer, weight gain and bad cholesterol.

There were many laboratory tests concerning the effects of green tea on cancer cells. The results suggest the usage of 300mg of EGCG on a daily basis to be the best amount. One cup of tea offers about 100mg of EGCG. Much more experiments are on the way, but for right now 3 cups every day looks like a good amount.

There are quite a few ways to take in green tea. Standard way is to brew and to drink the tea. This really is good particularly if taken while eating a meal. Another preferred method is to add green tea powder to drinking water. Combining citrus juice with EGCG is actually known to multiply the benefits. More practical way is to take green tea capsules. This is great for folks not liking the bitter green tea flavor.




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