Antioxidants
- the body's defence against free radicals
The task
of antioxidants in the body is to neutralize and damage so-called
free radicals that are constantly formed in connection with the
energy metabolism in our cells. Experimental studies have shown that
free radicals i.a. can damage the genetic material in the cells
(DNA), alter the function of important proteins and oxidize
polyunsaturated fats. They start destructive processes that can give
rise to ill health and disease. Examples of conditions that are
linked to oxidative damage from free radicals: aging, cancer,
Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease,
inflammatory conditions, cataracts, rheumatism.
Fruits
and vegetables, good and natural source of antioxidants
Fruits
and vegetables contain many different types of antioxidants. The most
well-known are vitamin C and E and beta-carotene. The content of
certain minerals is also important. All these substances are also
needed for other biochemical functions and the survival of life and
are therefore essential nutrients, ie. we can not be without them.
However, our diet contains a lot of other substances that are very
potent antioxidants. There are mainly 2 groups mentioned, carotenoids
and flavonoids. Carotenoids are yellow and red plant dyes where
carotene in carrots and lycopene in tomatoes are best known. Lycopene
is twice as effective as beta-carotene. Flavonoids are also found in
vegetables and fruits but also in tea, red wine and fruit juices.
Green tea has about 6 times more antioxidant effect than black tea.