Antioxidants are believed to fight against free radicals that cause cell damage in the body. Many believe that increasing antioxidants helps lower the potential for cell damage and thus keeps the body healthier now and as we age.
Free radicals damage cells and open you to disease and other conditions. These free radicals are molecules with electrons that are very reactive. They typically attack normal cells and weaken or destroy them.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on ways to increase the number of antioxidants in the body, either through eating foods rich in antioxidants or taking supplements to increase levels.
Here’s some helpful information on what antioxidants are and how you can get more of them to stay healthier and protect your cells from harmful free radicals.
What Are Free Radicals?
Your body naturally produces free radicals. Doing normal tasks like exercising, breathing, etc., creates some amount of free radicals, which the body is capable of handling. However, smoking, breathing in noxious fumes, pollution, and other external factors cause free radical numbers to spike.
Higher free radical levels may increase health risks. This is because as free radicals move through your body, they carry unpaired electrons that are looking for places to go. As a result, they damage normal cells and compromise the body.
The body produces antioxidants to balance the free radicals created by running or lifting weights, but it’s usually unable to generate enough natural antioxidants to combat free radicals in people exposed to things like bad air pollution and other harmful sources.
Oxidative Stress
The body produces free radicals as part of a normal biological response. However, too many free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can be harmful. For example, too much inflammation can make it harder for the body to heal after an injury. It can limit the range of motion and prolong the healing process.
Doctors will tell people that controlling inflammation is important. You want your body to heal naturally, but you also want to avoid oxidative stress. As a result, medical professionals often suggest icing or compressing an injury to limit inflammation levels.
When there is too much oxidative stress, the body struggles to return to equilibrium. This gets in the way of normal body function and a healthy immune system. It’s also believed that oxidative stress may contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Why Antioxidants Are Essential
The more antioxidants you have, the better you’re likely able to fight off free radicals and prevent cell damage in the body. So how do you get more antioxidants? One of the best ways to increase antioxidant levels is to eat foods rich in antioxidants. These include things like:
- Berries
- Vegetables
- Oatmeal and other healthy grains
- Beans
- Citrus fruits
- Dried herbs like oregano, cloves, ginger, etc.
These are just some of the antioxidants you can add to your diet to reduce the impact of free radicals on the body. Most experts suggest eating antioxidant-rich foods as much as possible. There are also supplements you can take that provide healthy antioxidants. For example, taking Vitamin A, C, E, and other supplements can make up for any antioxidants you’re not getting from your diet.
Researchers believe that more antioxidants provide better protection for the cells, which is especially important as people age. As a result, they can prevent disease and promote better overall health.
Peptides & Oxidative Stress
Research into the effects of oxidative stress and the benefits of antioxidants is ongoing. For example, the peptide PT-141 has shown in animal models that it binds to the MC2R receptor, which is found in white fat and in certain immune cells. Tests show that it has strong anti-inflammatory properties. The interaction between PT-141 https://www.peptidesciences.com/blog/how-does-pt141-work and the melanocortin system in animal subjects offers promise for future potential treatments.
Focus on eating foods rich in antioxidants and explore supplements designed to keep your antioxidant numbers high enough to manage free radicals and inflammation.