The term anti-oxidant is frequently mentioned in health products, beauty products and wellness supplements.
So, what exactly are they?
Well, our bodies, like anything else start to rust over time and antioxidants help slow-down this process of aging on a cellular level.
This inevitable aging process is referred to as, “oxidation” in scientific terms.
Aside from its superficial aging effects, oxidative stress has shown to cause short-term and long-term health problems. Because our bodies constantly generate heat, the resulting product of this “oxidation” is the inevitable production of free radicals in our systems. Free radicals are chemicals that our bodies create in natural defense to resist environmental pollutants, bacteria etc.
However, having too much of these chemicals create a damaging effect; causing destruction towards the cells and tissues in our bodies.
How do we combat this?
We combat this destructive process through the consistent supply of anti-oxidants.
These nutrients go straight to battle with these molecularly imbalanced free radicals floating around our systems like vampires ready to suck the life out of healthy cells and tissues.
Supplying our bodies with these antioxidants is like offering bait to these free radicals. Once a free radical is supplied with that highly sought after electron, they reach molecular balance. Reaching molecular stability prevents them from destroying the cells in our bodies.
We can get these dedicated antioxidant foot soldiers in the foods we eat (antioxidant-rich fruits & vegetables) and the skin care products we use.
Studies have consistently shown the benefits of anti-oxidants and their ability to prevent premature aging and cellular damage. Compounds such as Vitamin C, E, and Beta-Carotenes are just a few of the rich phytonutrients made available through these foods. Scientists agree that,
… consistently combating free radicals is key in maintaining long-term health
In essence, antioxidants are anti-aging, stabilizing nutrients that we need, if we want to achieve and maintain long-term health.
