What is an Antioxidant?

Antioxidants are substances which prevent the oxidation of free radicals.They are also called free radical scavengers.The antioxidants are grouped as follows:-

Enzyme Antioxidants
These enzymes are produced by our body to check the free radical menace.They are glutathione peroxidase,catalase and superoxide dismustase.

Vitamin Antioxidants
Certain foods like grains,vegetables and fruits contain substances which are free radical scavengers.These substances are:-vitamin E,Beta carotene(precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin C,Vitamin B-1,Vitamin B-5,Vitamin B-6.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamin antioxidants!

Mineral Antioxidants
Selenium and Zinc
Selenium is found in organ meats,fish and shellfish,cereals,dairy products,fruit and vegetables.
Oysters,liver,shellfish,meats,hard cheese,canned fish are rich sources of Zinc.

Amino Acid Antioxidants
Cysteine-Cysteine is found in eggs.

Action of Antioxidants

The antioxidants stabilize the free radicals by donating an electron to the free radical.They prevent the free radicals from damaging the vital tissues

Factors Which Reduces Antioxidants in the Body

1.Beta Carotene:-alcohol consumption,pollution.lack of zinc
2.Vitamin E:-rancid fat,oral contraceptives,chloride in water
3.Vitamin C:-stress,aspirin,smoking,air pollution,flouride in water,drugs& alcohol