What is Antioxidants. Free radicals and Some externally generated sources of free radicals ?How do antioxidants work ? type of antioxidants

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What is Antioxidants with Example & health benefits of antioxidants?

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecule. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation produces free radicals which ultimately cause damage to the cell. 

What is free radicals ? 

The human body is composed of different types of cells and cells are composed of different types of molecules. Molecules consists of one or more atoms joined by chemical bonds. Atoms consist of a nucleus (containing the protons and neutrons) and electrons which surrounds the nucleus in one or more shells. When a substance that has a full outer shell will not enter in chemical reactions, but the substance which do not have full outer shell seek to reach a state of maximum stability. [the maximum number of electrons to be stable in the 1st shell K is 2 (2x? = 2.1 = 2), in the 2nd shell L is 8 (2x? = 2.2°=8) and in the 3rd shell is 18 (2.32= 18) & soon.] and will try to fill up the outer shell by (a) gaining or loosing electrons to either fill or empty its outer shell. 

 b) sharing its electrons by bonding together with other atoms in order to complete its outer shell. For example oxygen molecule is formed when two oxygen atoms combine with each ether. The electronic configuration of oxygen atom is 2.6 in, K shell contain 2 electrons and the 2nd shell (L) contain 6 electrons. So it needs 2 more electrons to become stable and each the oxygen atom shares two electrons with other oxygen atom and double bond is formed. - 



Normally, bonds do not split. But when weak bonds split, free radicals are formed. Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds trying to capture the needed electron to attain stability. Generally they attack the nearest stable molecules, 'stealing’ the electrons. Then the attacked molecules which loses its electrons, it becomes free radical itself and again attack another molecules and so on. And ultimately results in the disruption of the living cell. There are different types of free radicals which include the hydroxyl radical (OH), the super oxide radical (O,), the nitric oxide radical (No), and the lipid peroxyl radical (LOO). 

Our body is a natural laboratory where different biochemical reactions occur daily and as a result different biochemical substances are produced along with some free radicals. As our body burns carbohydrates, free radicals are produced as a byproduct. Our immune system also purposefully creates some free radicals to neutralize viruses and bacteria. Some external sources, such as exposure to X-rays, Ozone, cigarette smoking, our pollutants, industrial chemicals etc. can produce free radicals. 


Some externally generated sources of free radicals are - 

* Cigarette smoking 

* Environmental pollutants 

* Radiation 

* Ultra violet light 

* Certain drugs, pesticides, anesthetics, & industrial solvents . 

* Ozone 

Even personal stress can produce free radicals. If these are not inactivated, their chemical reactivity can damage all cellular macro-molecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids (DNA - the genetic material). How over heart disease, premature ageing, stroke, diabetes, & and many other diseases may occur due to free radicals. The only way to protect the body against free radicals is the antioxidants. An antioxidant is a molecule stable enough to donate an electron to the free radical and neutralise it, thus reducing its capacity to damage. Normally the body can handle free radicals, but it antioxidants are unavailable or the free radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. During normal metabolism some antioxidants, such as glutathione, ubiquinal, uric acid are produced. Other antioxidants are found in the diet. Although 4000 antioxidants have been identified; - the best known are vitamin E, Vitamin C and caratinoids. 

How do antioxidants work ? 

Antioxidants are substances that counteract the damaging effects of oxidation. They are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) as well as enzymes (that assist the biochemical reactions). They nutralize the free radicals by donating one of their own electrons. Thus they block the process of oxidation by nutralizing the free radicals. 


Types of Antioxidants & best Antioxidants ?

Vitamin E (Tocopheral) : There are eight different types of vitamin E are found so far, It is a fat soluble vitamin. Amongst these Alpha tocopherol is the most available isomer. It protects against the oxidating affects of air polluntants such as ciga~ rette smoke and radiation. It has many other func. tions also. 

Foods Rich in Antioxidants ---

The rich source of vitamin E is natural oil such as vegetable seed oil, especially wheat, soyabean, corm and leafy vegetables. Poor quantity of vitamin E ts found m meat and egg also. 

Vitamin C : (Ascorbic Acid) : It is a water soluble and heat sensitive vitamin. So it scavenges free radicals that are in aqueous (watery) environment, such as blood plasma, lung fluid, eye fluid and between the cells. It is the most essential vitamin for animal body. A daily intake of about 100mg is adequate to maintain the normal plasma level. 

Vitamin C is mainly found in citrus fruits such as amlaki, orange, lemon, tomato pineapple, papaya etc. it is also found in other fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, beans etc. 

Beta-carotene ; It is a fat soluble vitamin. About 600 carotinoids have been identified so far. B carotene is excellent in scavenging free radicals in low oxygen concentration and alfa, caroline the plant form precursor of vit A attack singlet oxygen, a dangerous free radical that affects our eyes, skin & lungs. The most important thing is that carotene will convert to vit. A as the body needs it. Otherwise it circulates through the blood plasma and stored in the tissues. 


Natural coloured food stuffs such as carrot, tomato, beet, palm etc. contain carotene. Flavonous, are found in grapes, apple, pomegranate, banana, jack fruit, olive oil, green tea etc. 

Selenium, manganese and zinc are the trace element which form the essential part of various antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxides etc.) serves as primary line of defence in destroying free radicals. They also repair oxidized DNA, degrade oxidized protein and destroy oxidized lipid (fat), 

Moreover, coenzymes Q 10 (ubiquinene), which is essential for energy production, can also protect the body from free radicals. Uric Acid, a metabolic product, is also recognized as an important antioxidant. The phytochemicals (plant nutrients) Can act as antioxidant and health motor. 

Antioxidant Foods and Grocery list  :

here below l show Antioxidant grocery list, vegetable and fruits which fights against the diseases :

        Cholesterol Fighters:

        Beans

        Cancer Fighters:

        Cranberries

        raspberries

        Pomegranate

        Heart Disease Fighters:

        Purple potatoes 

        Purple grapes

        Blueberries

        Red wine

        Black currants

        Wrinkle Fighters:

        Apricots 

        Pecans

        Cantaloupe

        Almonds

        Lemon

        Sunflower seeds

        Breast Cancer Fighters:

        Broccoli

        Brussels sprouts

        Cabbage

        Kale

So antioxidants are of immense importance for maintain a good health. The food should be properly looked. Fast food or junk food should be avoided.

Q. why high concentrations of antioxidants may be harmful ?

. At high concentrations, antioxidants may: act as pro-oxidants, increasing oxidation.and  protect dangerous cells (such as cancer cells) as well as healthy cells.

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