Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, and Your Immune System
One of the most common claims made about antioxidants is that they prevent cancer. Antioxidants do have this property. What they do is stop the chain reaction that occurs when molecules with oxygen to break down complex chemical compounds called Free Radicals (FR) inside our bodies. Antioxidants like Vitamin E and C are considered “antioxidants”. In fact, all living organisms are constantly fighting off FRs and many have died as a result. So it is no surprise that antioxidants are used in skin care products.
As we grow older, our bodies produce fewer antioxidants. If we are exposed to toxins or chemicals, our bodies cannot fight these attacks and our immune system becomes compromised. One way to maintain healthy immune systems is to eat healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, and take antioxidant supplements. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants.
Two types of antioxidants that are important for overall health include vitamins A, C and E and selenium. When our body is exposed to radiation, our skin will become damaged because the outer layer becomes thicker than the inner layer. This thickening causes premature aging of the skin. Fruits and vegetables help to prevent this by reducing the buildup … Read More