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Benefits of Antioxidants from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.

What’s the deal with antioxidants? Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body against diseases related to damage to tissues and cells from highly reactive substances. Watch now.

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Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit the oxidation of other substances by stabilizing and neutralizing free radicals. Low levels of free radicals in the body are normal and can be beneficial. Free radicals are a natural byproduct of metabolic reactions in the body and play a vital role in our immune system function. However, too many free radicals can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can destroy cell membranes, proteins, RNA, and DNA, and thereby contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Antioxidants can play an important role in mitigating these potential chronic diseases. Here are a few antioxidants and their health promoting benefits: Vitamin C found in citrus fruits and cruciferous vegetables protects DNA, RNA, and cell membranes. Vitamin E found in sunflower seeds and almonds protects cellular membranes. Carotenoids, a phytochemical found in pumpkin and carrots act as a free radical scavenger. Vitamin A found in leafy green vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, in the precursor form of beta carotene, protects cellular membranes and reduces inflammation. Selenium is an essential trace mineral and powerful antioxidant that helps to regenerate other antioxidants, including vitamin C.

It is apparent that the benefits of antioxidants work in combination with each other along with phytochemicals and micronutrients in food to protect the body against oxidative stress from free radicals. The benefits of eating antioxidant-rich foods come from the entire package of nutrients in whole foods, a combination that can’t be replicated in a supplement. Therefore, eating a diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide you with the health promoting benefits that antioxidants offer.

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Phytochemicals, also referred to as phytonutrients, are substances found in plants in small amounts that are not essential nutrients but may have health-promoting properties. Although the health benefits of phytochemicals are still under scientific investigation, there are some prominent functions and therefore potential benefits worth mentioning. One well- known property of phytochemicals is their potential to act as and support the function of antioxidants. They can also mimic hormones, alter absorption of cholesterol, inhibit inflammatory responses, and block the actions of certain enzymes.

Here are some potential health benefits that may result from a few well-known phytochemicals: Carotenoids found in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables, as well as in dark green leafy vegetables may possess strong cancer-fighting properties. Indoles found in cruciferous vegetables like bok choy and broccoli may inhibit the development of cancer-causing hormones and prevent tumor growth. Phytoestrogens found in berries, soybeans, and garlic may lower the risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms. Saponins found in legumes like kidney beans and lentils may decrease blood lipids, lower cancer risks, and lower the blood glucose response. Flavonoids found in various fruits, vegetables, chocolates, nuts, and seeds may benefit the immune system and prevent cancer cell growth.

It is the mixture and variety of phytochemicals in food acting in conjunction with each other and with other micronutrients that are linked to their health promoting benefits. Therefore, supplementation of phytochemicals in isolation may limit their health promoting properties. This is yet another reason to include whole plant-based foods in your diet.

Thanks for joining this Patient Empowerment Network program. Please remember to ask your healthcare team what may be right for you.

Tag Archive for: antioxidants

Health Benefits of Antioxidants

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Benefits of Phytochemicals

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