4 Antioxidant Food Supplements
For our general health, including the health of our hair, antioxidant supplements play a protective role. Supplements of antioxidants are expected to slow down the oxidation reactions caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive unstable atoms that can damage cells that lead to several diseases and aging that are generated in our body.
These highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage DNA, proteins, and other cellular structures, such as cell membranes and cell organelles, according to the Free-radical theory of aging.
1. Are antioxidant supplements good for you?
The reaction of free radicals within cells and subsequent damage has been linked to a range of disorders and chronic diseases including cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, and inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidants can slow down or block these dangerous reactions in the body. They do it either by reacting with intermediates and halting the oxidation reaction directly. They react with the free radicals and prevent the oxidation reaction from occurring.
2. How to increase your antioxidants?
Antioxidants supplements can be taken as dietary supplements or taken as tablets and capsules. Studies suggest that dietary antioxidants supplements provide a range of are benefits for our health. However, excess antioxidant supplementation may be counter-productive.
Diet carrying antioxidant supplements A healthy and balanced diet containing antioxidant supplements plays a pivotal role in retaining your hair’s health. Some of the herbal nutrition supplements and some fruits which contain antioxidants serve as natural medications for hair loss.
3. Which food has the highest antioxidant?
Antioxidant food supplements are found in various forms – vegetables, fruits, grain cereals, legumes, nuts, etc. The sources of antioxidants include fruits (berries and peppers, apple skins, cider, wine), vegetables (spinach, tea leaves), fungi (mushrooms), whole grain cereals (hops, barley, millet, and maize), nuts (pecans, pistachios, almonds), beans (cacao including chocolate, coffee). Polyphenol antioxidants This type of antioxidant is characterized by the presence of several phenol functions. It is found in a wide array of phytonutrient-bearing foods.
Examples include – most of the legumes; fruits like apples, blackberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, grapes, pears, plums, raspberries, and strawberries; vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, celery, onion, and parsley. All the above are rich sources of polyphenol antioxidants. Alternative sources of polyphenol antioxidants include red wine, chocolate, green tea, olive oil, bee pollen, and several grains.
4. What supplements are high in antioxidants?
Antioxidant vitamins some of the vitamins that are good sources of antioxidants, the antioxidant vitamins are–vitamins A, C, and E:
1. Vitamin A
The animal form of vitamin A is retinal. It is a yellow, fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin found in animal foods such as eggs, liver, whole milk, and fortified foods like fat-reduced milk, cereals, and bread. Vitamin A, are the dark-colored pigments found in plant foods like fruits and vegetables (especially dark green leafy ones) and include spinach, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant helpful in maintaining healthy hair. Sources of this vitamin are foods such as citrus fruits, kiwi, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes with their skins, and dark green vegetables. The daily recommended dose for vitamin C is 60 mg.
3. Vitamin E
It increases scalp circulation which is crucial for hair growth. You get vitamin E from foods like wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds ad nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. The daily recommended dose for vitamin E is up to 400 IU.
