Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces in response to environmental and other stressors. These compounds are sometimes known as free radical scavengers. Antioxidant sources can be natural or synthetic. Some plant foods are thought to be rich in antioxidants. The body also produces some antioxidants known as endogenous antioxidants.
The antioxidant properties of dates prevent the occurrence of stomach ulcers; Kurma Piarom Shah Alam also reduces the incidence of colon and stomach cancer.
Antioxidants that come from outside the body are called exogenous. Factors that increase the production of free radicals in the body include inflammation, air pollution, ultraviolet rays and cigarette smoke. Free radicals are associated with oxidative stress, cancer, arthritis, stroke, respiratory disease, immunodeficiency, emphysema (a type of chronic lung disease), Parkinson’s disease, and other inflammatory or ischemic diseases.
Antioxidants can protect the body against cell damage caused by free radicals, known as oxidative stress. Activities and processes that can lead to oxidative stress include:
Mitochondrial activity
Too much exercise
Damage to tissue, due to inflammation and injury
Ischemic injury and reperfusion
Eating certain foods, especially processed foods, trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and certain colors and additives
smoking
environmental pollution
Exposure to harmful radiation
Exposure to chemicals such as pesticides and medications, including chemotherapy
Such activities and exposures can lead to cellular damage. These factors, in turn, may lead to these reactions in the body:
Excessive release of free iron or copper ions
Activation of phagocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in fighting infection
Increase of enzymes that produce free radicals
Disturbances in electron transport chains
All of these can lead to oxidative stress.
Types of antioxidants
It is thought that there are hundreds and possibly thousands of substances that can act as antioxidants. Each has its own role and is able to communicate with other antioxidants so that the body works effectively. Examples of antioxidants that are obtained from foreign substances are:
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
beta carotene
Lycopene
lutein
Selenium
Manganese
Zexanthine
Flavonoids, flavones, catechins, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens are a variety of antioxidants and plant nutrients, and they are all found in plant foods. Each antioxidant has a different function and cannot be replaced by another substance. This is why it is important to have a varied diet.