Benefits of Antioxidant Vitamins
The benefits of antioxidant vitamins
are very difficult to prove and to date there is no hard evidence
that exists. Most studies on the benefits of antioxidant vitamins
rely on people self-reporting their own dietary habits. This makes
such surveys not that reliable and what’s more, reflects only
short-term eating habits. Other studies on the benefits of
antioxidant vitamins are done in laboratories on animals or blood
samples. Thus, the results of these studies may not necessarily
reflect the true effects of antioxidant vitamins on humans.
Still, no matter how flimsy the
evidence may seem as to the benefits of antioxidant vitamins, there
is nothing wrong with continuing to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
And besides, various studies have shown that where the benefits of
antioxidant vitamins aren’t manifest in supplements, they surely are
when it comes to a natural diet of fresh produce.
The benefits of antioxidant vitamins
include neutralizing free radicals. These free radicals are
responsible for many degenerative diseases and disorders, not least
of which is various types of cancer. The neutralizing effect and
benefits of antioxidant vitamins also help boost the body’s immune
system, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing cancer.
Deficiencies in the benefits of
antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene
have been linked to heart disease. All of these nutrients exhibit
the benefits of antioxidant vitamins and other such properties that
have positive effects on the heart.
Another group of vitamins that
contribute to the benefits of antioxidant vitamins are folate and
B12 vitamins. Various studies show that deficiencies in the B
vitamins folate or folic acid and B12 have been associated with
elevated blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid. The same
studies showed that there are lower failure rates after heart
surgery in patients who took folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6.
The benefits of antioxidant vitamins
are certainly not inclusive only with cancer prevention. The
benefits of antioxidant vitamins also include heart protection,
especially with natural antioxidants such as flavonoids,
organosulfurs, isoflavones, and sterols. Certain flavonoids, found
in both black and green tea, dark chocolate, onions, red wine or red
grape juice, and apples, appear to have the strong heart protective
benefits of antioxidant vitamins. In a 2003 study, people who
consumed the most flavonoids in foods had a 20% lower risk for heart
disease than those with low consumption. Flavonoids may also protect
against the damage done by cholesterol and help prevent blood clots.
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Antioxidants
