Delay the ageing process
ANTIOXIDANTS work to counteract against the oxidation effect of free radicals in our bodies. We need numerous antioxidants every day to neutralise free radical effects that will damage our cells in the body and disturb the functions of our system.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are a type of unstable molecules created by our bodies every day. Breathing, digesting, exercising, the metabolism process and such are basic activities happening inside the body every day. What you may not be aware is that all these create damaging free radicals.
Sometimes, free radicals are created to neutralise virus and bacteria in the body. Besides factors inside our bodies, environmental factors like pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, herbicides and stress will spawn more free radicals than the body. It is impossible to avoid the harmful free radicals.
Excessive free radicals in the body will destroy the body cells which cause damage to our system if no action is taken. Eventually, premature ageing happens and the symptoms of ageing shows: dull, lined and sagging skin, poor memory, fatigue, eye strain, joint pain and such. Therefore, we need antioxidants to reduce the impact of free radicals.
Our bodies produce antioxidants naturally to overcome the effect of free radicals, but it is just a small amount and may not be sufficient to counteract the excessive free radicals in the body. Free radicals that cannot be neutralised will start damaging surrounding cells and cause the chain effects of destruction, leaving your body vulnerable to premature ageing and degenerative diseases.
Fortunately, we can supplement antioxidants from food. Plenty can be found from natural plants and algae. These natural antioxidants defend against free radicals and delay the ageing process. Antioxidants work to: > Reduce eye fatigue, eyestrain, blurring, double vision and eye dryness. They protect eye and promote better vision.
> Improve memory by reducing the oxidation damage. Improve blood flow for better nutrition and oxygen delivered.
> Provide anti-inflammatory effect to alleviate joint pain and arthritis. It inhibits and suppresses different inflammatory mediators and helps reduce the pain and increase mobility.
> Act as built-in sunblock to protect from harmful UV rays to limit sun damage and alleviate sunburn and support the skin against the ageing process and flaws.
> Help protect against stress and the oxidation effect caused by exercise. The more strenuous the activity, the greater the production of free radicals.
Among the various types of antioxidants available in food, vitamins C, E and carotenoids are the most famous and well-known potent antioxidants.
Here are the sources of food you can get them from:
> Vitamin C: The best-known antioxidant. Mostly contained in citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit and tangerine, strawberry, tomato, broccoli and potato.
> Vitamin E: Mainly comes from vegetable oils, seeds or nuts. It works well with other antioxidants to promote better performance of antioxidant effects.
> Carotenoids: The strongest antioxidant component that works well in fighting free radicals. It is contained mainly in food that is red, orange, yellow or dark green such as tomato, orange, broccoli, carrot.
Researchers also found astaxanthin to be one of the strongest carotenoids.
Astaxanthin can be found in natural algae namely haematococcus pluvialis, which grows naturally in hot climates with fresh water.
Supply your body with sufficient natural antioxidants to fight free radicals and delay the ageing process for better health and skin complexion.
This article is contributed by CareMark Sdn Bhd.