Antioxidative

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Antioxidative

Antioxidative refers to the property of a substance to inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Antioxidants are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and terminate these chain reactions before vital molecules are damaged.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, thus preventing the free radicals from taking electrons from other molecules. This process stabilizes the free radicals and reduces their reactivity. Common antioxidants include vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Sources of Antioxidants[edit | edit source]

Antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Some well-known sources include:

  • Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.
  • Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
  • Beta-carotene: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
  • Flavonoids: Found in tea, chocolate, and berries.

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining health by protecting cells from damage. They are believed to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the effectiveness of antioxidant supplements in disease prevention is still a subject of ongoing research.

Antioxidative Stress[edit | edit source]

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This can lead to cell and tissue damage, contributing to aging and various diseases. Antioxidative mechanisms are essential in maintaining this balance and protecting against oxidative stress.

Also see[edit | edit source]


Resources[edit source]

Latest articles - Antioxidative

PubMed
Clinical trials

Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Antioxidative for any updates.



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