Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that prevent the adverse effects of oxygen. It is a substances that help capture and neutralize free radicals. As a result, eliminating the damage of free radicals to the human body. Antioxidants can prevent or delay food oxidation, improve food stability and extend their shelf life. The correct use of antioxidants not only prolongs the shelf life of food, but also brings a good economic effect to producers and consumers. Moreover, it also ensure a better food safety to consumers.

Mechanism of Action

Through the reduction of antioxidants, it reduces the oxygen which content inside and surrounding the food. Some antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and isoascorbic acid are easily oxidized, which can cause the oxygen in the food to react them first. So, it can avoide the oxidation of the fat inside the food.

The antioxidant will release a hydrogen atom that combines with the peroxide that produced by the auto-oxidation reaction of the fat, so that interrupting the chain reaction and preventing the oxidation process from continuing.

By destroying and attenuating the activity of the oxidase, the antioxidant make it unable to catalyze the progress of the oxidation reaction. It will block the substances that cause catalyze and oxidation reactions, such as complexing metal ions that catalyze oxidation reactions.

Natural Antioxidants

1) Nuts

Mixed Nuts

The Nuts are rich in vitamin E (cashew, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and so on). It is well recognized as superfoods. Besides the inhibit oxidation, they can also repair skin tissue. However, due to the nuts contain high level of fat, the excessive intake not only increase the risk of getting fat. Besides, the oxidation of fat will also reduce the antioxidant effect of vitamin E.

2) Oatmeal

Oatmeal

The oatmeal is rich in protein, calcium, riboflavin, thiamine and many other nutrition. Among the whole grains, it is the only one which are high in antioxidant. Intake of the right amount of oatmeal each and everyday can boost the body’s metabolism, accelerate the reactions to synthesis of amino acids, as well as encourage the cell renewal.

3) Berries

Berries

The Berries are rich in carotene and vitamin C, and both of them are the most recognized substances among the antioxidants. You may consume more of strawberry, blueberry and cranberry in your daily meal.

4) Soybean

Soy Bean

The soybean contains isoflavones, a natural antioxidant with a some estrogen effect. Besides, drinking soy milk can significantly reduce menopausal symptoms of women. Furthermore, it can also prevent the occurrence of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also good for the women’s beauty.

5) Carrot

Carrot

The carrot not only enhances human immunity, but also has anti-cancer effect. It is also rich in carotene. Carotene can remove the singlet oxygen and free radicals which cause aging. As a result, it can slow down the process of aging and prevent skin aging.

6) Tomato

Tomato

So far, the Lycopene is recognized as the most powerful antioxidant. The effectiveness of tomato’s antioxidant is 100 times more compare to vitamin E. Consume of 10 mg of lycopene everyday has a significant effect on eliminating free radicals, fight fatigue and boost immunity.

7) Honey

Honey

The honey has natural antibacterial properties that help to reduce skin inflammation. The dark honey have different level of polyphenols (stronger antioxidants), which are thought to reduce probability of occurrence heart disease and cancer.

8) Tea

Tea

The Tea polyphenols are also an antioxidant substance. The studies found that the people who drink tea regularly will have a lower rate of cancer. This shows that tea polyphenols can eliminate free radicals and prevent cancer.