What is an Antioxidant and its Property?
It’s almost a fact that you’ve necessarily heard about antioxidants. On the TV, on a description of a product which highlights the well-done of it, on a newspaper…, we hear about them all time actually. But how many of us can explain precisely what is an antioxidant and its property? It’s something hard to explain right?
Don’t worry, we’re here for make it clearer to yourself.
Antioxidant
Dictionary defines antioxidant as a substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products. Removing potentially damaging oxidising agents in a living organism such as vitamin C or E.
Did you get it?
Ok let’s make it simple so..
In simple word, an antioxidant is a compound that protect cells against free radicals (molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to pollutants such as tobacco smoke or radiation). Having enough antioxidant can also avoid different serious diseases.
The most well-known antioxidants are ß-carotene (provitamins A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), polyphenols and lycopene. These include flavonoids (very common among plants), tannins (in cocoa, coffee, tea, grapes, etc.), anthocyanin (especially in red fruits) and phenolic acids (in cereals, fruits and vegetables)
What is its property?
Like we said, the main property of antioxidant is in the role that it plays against cells damage (it’s called the oxidative stress). Indeed, antioxidants protect these cells of the danger of oxidation.
Cells are a very important substance in your body which needs enough antioxidants to function normally.
That’s why we hear often that antioxidant can make you younger by protecting your cells.
Read –> What are vitamins and their properties
–> What are minerals and their properties
Where can I find antioxidant?
Now that you know what an antioxidant and its property is, you may want to know how to find it.
Well, you can find it in several foods and in different ways.
Tea:
One of the most popular by reason, tea contains a lot of antioxidant. Indeed, you can find in green or black tea 10 times more than the amount found in fruits and veggies.
Fruits:
As you know, most of fruits belong to the healthy category of food. Some of them have an antioxidant benefit added to their nutrient which they contain naturally. Among them, we can find berries (such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries), avocados, oranges and kiwis.
Vegetables:
Another product family that our readers know very well, vegetables are obviously good sources of antioxidant. Among them, you can find cabbages (such as green cabbage and brussels sprouts), spinach and the famous broccolis which is described as a superfood.
Read –> What are superfoods and their benefits for your health
Other products:
There are 3 other products which could surprise you. Indeed, we can find maple syrup which contains more than 20 antioxidants, red wine and black chocolate which are ones of the most important sources of antioxidant.
Something good to know right?
Read –> 8 foods that you love which are surprisingly healthy
Conclusion:
Antioxidant is therefore a very important substance for your body thanks to its property against oxidation. Now, if someone asks you, you can answer the question “what is an Antioxidant and its Properties?”.
By now, you can cook and eat some different products to avoid oxidation in your body. We hope you’ll enjoy these, and you’ll approach the ultimate goal: being as healthy as possible!
Sources and further reading:
MedicalNewsToday –> https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506.php
BetterHealth –> https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/antioxidants
