Dietary antioxidants – their sources, mechanisms of biological activity, and the implications of excessive intake

Antioxidants are also called antioxidants. These are compounds that are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. They capture free radicals and convert them into other less active compounds. They help to stop the damage to the free rodents, so there is no cell damage, which leads to an acceleration of the aging process and many dangerous diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer.

Antioxidants in food occur naturally or are added to it in the manufacturing process. A natural source of antioxidants is food of plant origin. It contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, vitamins A, C, E, carotenoids, thiocyanates, and others.

Antioxidants, as food additives, prevent the oxidation of the ingredients in the product and prolong their durability. The action of antioxidants on our body is related to the removal and absorption of free radicals in the human body. Antioxidant: they are essential for the proper functioning of the vascular system, they slow the aging process by slowing down oxidative stress, they prevent asthma, cancer, coronary heart disease, they strengthen our immune system, and they reduce the damage caused by smoking or environmental pollution.

As we already know, antioxidants are very important for our health. They are best supplied with food. Their best sources are: vegetables: tomatoes, legumes, spinach, peppers, red cabbage, fruits: strawberries, cherries, peaches, morels, green tea. In addition to antioxidants green tea contains many valuable ingredients that are important for maintaining health and youthful appearance, red wine is the best and healthiest.

The side effects are caused by the use of chemical, synthetic antioxidants added in the manufacturing process. These include: E310-E312 galvanized E320 BHA E321 BHT Unfortunately, they can cause allergies, stomach problems, increase blood cholesterol levels and disrupt the absorption of iron. Instead of reducing the harm to free radicals, they often contribute to their formation and increased activity. Antioxidants are linked to substances that work on us.