Ask the doctors: antioxidants
Antioxidants: what are they and do they really benefit me?
Q: Antioxidants: what are they and do they really benefit me?
A: The word “antioxidant” is found on many food products these days. An antioxidant is basically a mop that cleans up a vital yet potentially damaging substance – oxygen.
During certain metabolic processes in our body, an unstable form of oxygen is released. This belongs to a class of molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS).
ROS is like fire: useful and even vital in controlled situations, but damages cells in excess. The natural antioxidant mechanisms in our body keep ROS from doing too much harm.
The theory is that certain unhealthy activities are pro-oxidant, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, exposure to environmental pollutants and even excessive exercise. Antioxidants are said to help counter these effects.
Unfortunately, the truth may not be so simple. It is difficult to prove how much of a particular antioxidant is required to combat a certain condition, and for how long.