Question

Explain the important role antioxidants play in our body and overall health

Briefly explain why getting antioxidants through food is more beneficial than supplements

List three ways in which people could incorporate more antioxidants into their daily diet

Answer 1

Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or reduce  damage to cells caused by free radicals.They help to neutralize free radicles in our body and boost health of our body.Examples of antioxidants are lycopene,lutein,vitamin A,Beta-carotene,vitamin C,vitamin E

Role of Antioxidants in our body:

1.Antioxidants helps to fight disease:Diet rich in antioxidants reduce the risk of disease.Tomato contain lycopene,a antioxidant which reduce risk of prostate cancer in men.Flavonoids in tea reduce the risk of heart disease.

2.Antioxidant boost immune system.Eating a diet rich in antioxidant can boost our immune system.

3.Antioxidant help to reverse symptoms of aging.

4.Antioxidants helps the eye in delaying the progress of age related macular degeneration.

5.Antioxidant protect your cells against free radicals.

6.Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation.

Dietary intake of antioxidants is essential for health.Studies has shown that regular high dose supplements are harmful.Eating antioxidant rich food is better than supplements.Some antioxidant supplements can be detrimental to your health .Large amount of vitamin A can cause birth defects when taken by pregnant women.Large dose of vitamin E is associated with increase in mortality.A well balanced diet is better than taking a supplement.If you need to take a supplement consult a doctor.

Three ways to improve antioxidants in daily diet are:

1.Inculde foods rich in antioxidants like tomato,greens,berry,corn,nuts,strawberry.Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar.

2.Include green tea in your daily diet.Green tea contain flavonoids which reduce the risk of heart disease.

3.Limit processed meat.They contain preservatives which can produce free radicals.Limit red meat in your diet.