Anti-oxidant Vitamins

The medical world has divided opinions about antioxidant vitamins. They prevent the free radicals from damaging cells and thus they fight old age and chronic disease. Vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) are the main antioxidant vitamins. Many people are now taking some antioxidant supplement either to stay in good shape and maintain youth or to fight cardio-vascular disease.

Medical precautions!

Research has not so far provided conclusive data about whether antioxidant vitamins are really working for the treatment of heart disease. Specialists' recommendation is for people to eat a balanced diet with food from all the basic food groups. The amounts of antioxidant vitamins taken from food should be enough to maintain good health. Fruits, whole grains and nuts are better alternatives than supplements!

Other natural antioxidants!

Besides vitamin A, E and C, the body uses other substances and chemicals to fight the formation of the free radicals. Normally, the secretion of free radicals increases because of pollution and extensive sun exposure. Green tea, gingko biloba, grape seed extract, zinc and selenium have a powerful antioxidant action. Some of these are available in the form of herbal supplements, while the others can be taken directly from food. Have several fruit servings per day and drink one or two cups of green tea.

Antioxidant vitamins and physical exercises!

Very intense physical activity after long rest periods do more harm than good because they accelerate the release of free radicals and their damage rate. Do regular physical activity and use antioxidant vitamins to keep free radicals under control. Regular exercises boost up the body's defenses ensuring protection against free radicals. Nevertheless scientists can hardly give an answer to whether a supplementation of antioxidant vitamins will better help an athlete deal with cellular oxidation.

Whether to take antioxidant vitamins or not!

A balanced diet is preferable to the use of supplements, and all experts agree on that. A decade ago antioxidant vitamins enjoyed an excellent reputation, but their health effect is no longer believed to be that positive. At present, scientists are becoming more aware of the interactions and the potential toxicity of antioxidant supplements. Stick to a balanced lifestyle and try not to over-supplement because that could be detrimental on the long run. As long as we provide the right nutrients, our bodies should work automatically due to the fine tuning of the defense mechanisms.

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