Antioxidants

Content

• Function
• Classification
• Importance
• Examples of Antioxidants
• It could help you:

The antioxidants are molecules that have the function of delaying or preventing the oxidation of other molecules: the motivation of these molecules is to block the damaging effect of free radicals, which are produced by oxidation and start chain reactions ruining the cells.

The antioxidants are they able to finish these reactions, removing free radical intermediates and inhibiting other oxidation reactions, rusting in opposition to themselves.

Function

The mechanisms through which antioxidants fulfill their function vary depending on the case, but the most common is the direct interaction with reactive species, under which the antioxidant acts as stabilizer, through the transfer of an electron to the reactive species: in this way, the radical loses its condition.

This has as a molecular consequence that the antioxidant it in turn becomes a free radical, but one that has little or no reactivity in its environment. Other mechanisms of functioning of antioxidants are the stabilization of free radicals through the direct transfer of a hydrogen atom.

Classification

Antioxidants are usually classified among those that are normally biosynthesized by the body, and those who enter it through the diet: among the former are both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, while the latter are classified among vitamins that are antioxidants, carotenoids, polyphenols, and compounds that they do not integrate any of the three previous categories.

See also: Examples of Trace Elements

Importance

In the sense of retarding the oxidation process, antioxidants also slow down the aging process, fighting degeneration and death of cells that cause free radicals, and that have a fundamental impact on the deterioration of the skin and body. The body's own inability to neutralize the free radicals to which it is exposed on a daily basis forces us to resort to foods with antioxidant properties, in order to block their effect.

On the other hand, there are multiple studies that consider that following diets in which the consumption of antioxidants appears frequently can be a active ally in the fight against cancer. This can be caused by inhibition of the malignant cells, or by the more active reaction the immune system in general.

Other conditions such as macular degeneration, suppressed immunity due to poor nutrition, and neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress, can be prevented through the consumption of antioxidants.

Measuring the level of antioxidants in food is not an easy task, and at present the best indicator is the oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Antioxidants are found in varying amounts in foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts.

See also: What are the macronutrients and micronutrients?

Examples of Antioxidants

It could help you:

• Examples of Proteins
• Examples of Enzymes (and their function)
• Examples of Carbohydrates
• Examples of Lipids