Antioxidants
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that may be beneficial to our health. They work by preventing oxidation of substances known as free radicals. Free radicals are produced as part of the body's natural defence system and are by-products of the complex chemical processes that take place in the cells of our bodies.
Why are antioxidants important?
Many things, including smoking, drinking alcohol, high-fat diets, exposure to sun and atmospheric pollution, can cause the body to produce more free radicals than are needed. When the amounts of free radicals outnumber the antioxidant stores in the body, they deactivate enzymes, oxidise lipids and can damage genetic material. These processes, referred to as oxidation, have been linked to inflammation, ageing and a number of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Adequate supplies of antioxidants may counteract these actions.
How many antioxidants are there?
Some antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium and copper, are well known. The human diet contains literally thousands of antioxidant substances and it is probable that they work most effectively in combination with one another, possibly enhancing each other's actions. On their own, individual antioxidants do not have the same effect. When antioxidants are consumed as part of the diet it is probable that other substances present in food help them achieve their full potential benefit.
What is the best way to consume antioxidants?
For this reason, nutrition experts recommend against attempting to improve your health by buying commercially produced antioxidant diet supplements such as tablets containing vitamins or minerals. There is no scientific evidence that these supplements will improve your health and there may be dangers associated with taking them. It is thought that too much of one antioxidant may diminish the effect of others.
The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council has stated that it is possible to get all the nutrients required from eating plenty (and a variety) of vegetables and fruit including some nuts and seeds, wholegrain cereal foods, reduced-fat dairy foods and lean meats, fish (particularly those rich in omega-3 fats) or poultry, as well as small amounts of poly or monounsaturated fats and oils.
The message is simple: a good diet is the way to better health. Using tablets as a substitute for a proper diet is more expensive and nowhere near as effective.
Last Reviewed: 09 December 2008
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