All about Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit chemical reactions with oxygen in the body. Oxidation reactions may involve highly reactive molecules called free radicals; metals such a copper often change reactions with oxygen. Among those reactions are those that cause cell damage in the body.

Antioxidants inhibit these changes by reacting with the free radicals before they can cause any damage (free radical scavenging) or by reacting with the metals. Naturally occurring antioxidants may also work by interacting directly with oxygen.

Nutrients called antioxidants – VITAMIN C & E and beta-carotene & the minerals zinc & SELENIUM among others are now known to have an anti-ageing effect. Contained in fruits, nuts & most vegetables antioxidants are the body's defence against free radicals, which cause all types of cellular damage in the body.

Free radicals are implicated in the initiation of cancer, heart disease & even ageing itself – so much so that many experts believe that the ageing process is actually produced by the tiny degenerative effects that are caused by free radicals as they oxidise various cells over time.

Antioxidants provide the body with a natural defence against free radicals, which is why it is recommended eating foods rich in these nutrients.

Many flavinoids (info to be posted at a later date on why red wine is good for you in this respect) are also known as proanthocyanidins & also have antioxidant action. Skins of black cherries, blueberries & blackberries also contain proanthocyanidins. Extracts of bilberries contain flavinoids known as anthocyanosides which have a very powerful antioxidant activity. Other antioxidants include the flavinoid quercetin, the enzymes methione reductase & catalase, a substance found in in the liver known as lipoic acid & the substance COENZYME Q10 (also known as vitamin Q).

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3

Antioxidant rich blueberries - for a recipe from my Just Puds blog click title link:

Blueberry Fruit Loaf with Sauce