Almost each moment, we are affected by some toxic harmful substance known as 'free radicals.' The substances which possess antioxidant properties may function to protect us against these harmful substances. There are many vitamins - vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene - a form of vitamin A, and vitamin B2 - that possess possible health-promoting benefits due to their antioxidant properties. This article sheds light on a clear understanding of oxidation process, functions of antioxidant vitamins, and their availability in natural substances.



Vitamin C

Vitamin C works at cellular level. The role of this vitamin is quite significant to our health system in terms of its contribution to the production and resistance of bodily tissues. It plays major role in the process of collagen formation in the body. Vitamin C also affects our skin, teeth and bones significantly.

Vitamin E

It acts against formation of free radicals and heavy metal poisoning. It offers support for combating against toxic substances, drugs and alcohols. Vitamin E offers protection for cardiac health by preventing LDL cholesterol oxidation process.

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is a specific form of vitamin A. It works against free radicals at cellular level. It reduces the speed of oxidation process significantly. If you depend on having diet rich in beta carotene levels, it has all the possibilities that you are having lesser health complications.

Oxidation process in human body

Our system obtains its energy from the consumption of nutrients. During the consumption process, our body uses oxygen as the fuel to execute the process. Apart from that, oxygen is also used by our body to ensure protection against foreign elements, fight against diseases and to provide strength to our immune system. Due to this process, different molecular agents are developed as a result of byproducts and other metabolic processes. Oxidation refers to the process when these molecular agents react with body tissues. This is a natural process for energy production, but the byproduct of this process is not good for health. Free radicals are the inevitable byproducts of this oxidation process. These free radicals can profoundly affect human cells and damage healthy cells.

Functions of Antioxidant Vitamins

Antioxidants counteract with the oxidation process. They are able to trim down the energy of the free radicals. They can terminate the development of free radicals in the first place. Apart from that, oxidation chain reaction is interrupted in the presence of antioxidants. It eventually minimizes the damages resulted from the interaction of free radicals.

Different scientific studies have proved the deadly effects of free radicals on human cells. These researches confirmed that free radicals may play one of the most significant roles promoting severe damages to the health system, like developing ageing, cancer and atherosclerosis. If you are become able to minimize exposure to free radicals and to maximize the intake of antioxidant vitamins and nutrients, you may be able to reduce the risk of health hazards resulting from free radicals.

There are no research studies so far that confirm that antioxidant vitamins are able to give specific protection against disease or they have the ability to treat any health complication. Increasing indications robustly suggest that antioxidant vitamins may function towards preventing diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer and cataracts. Antioxidant vitamins help in aiding strengths to immune system and offer delaying in the ageing process.

Natural Availability

Antioxidant vitamins are found naturally in many fruits and vegetables including nuts, grains and red meats. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits such as strawberries, kiwi and others. Additionally, it is also common in cereals, beef, poultry, and fish products. Vitamin E or alpha-tocopherol is profuse in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils. It can also be found in mangoes, broccoli and almonds. Beta carotene is available primarily in foods that are orange in color. Examples may include mangoes, carrots, apricots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash and cantaloupe. Vegetables like spinach, collard green and kale are also rich with vitamin beta carotene.