The question of the role and correct use of antioxidants has long been of concern to people interested in proper nutrition. Not surprisingly, some of the facts about these substances, to put it mildly, are slightly exaggerated - people in fact so love to make of an elephant fly.
But before you destroy these myths created by the people, let's talk about what antioxidants are.
Oxygen, of course, is vitally important for the body, but it can be dangerous. Through the respiratory tract, oxygen enters the lungs, and from there it spreads through the body. However, not everyone knows that during the life processes of the body cells dangerous free radicals can be formed that can destroy proteins and DNA of the cell. Antioxidants that neutralize free radicals can help prevent these disastrous processes.
The truth and fudge about antioxidants
So, what did people think up about them?
- Myth 1. Antioxidants are contained in food in small quantities.
It depends on what you eat - naturally, antioxidants are not contained in harmful products, like fast food. Their main sources are tea, fruit and raw berries. - Myth 2. The best source of antioxidants is biological supplements.
In fact, normal nutrition is the key to getting the right amount of antioxidants. In this case, no additives will be needed. - Myth 3. Synthesized antioxidants are a normal replacement for the natural.
To our great regret, this is not so. The natural, of course, is always better. - Myth 4. Antioxidants are a pledge of youth.
It is naive to believe that these substances will restore your youth to you. They only protect the body, but can not return the lost. - Myth 5. Antioxidants are found exclusively in vegetables and fruits.
In fact, the list of such products is huge: from seeds to milk, from red feather to fresh eggs. - Myth 6. Free radicals are dangerous even in small quantities.
Free radicals can also be useful to the body - for example, when fighting harmful bacteria. Only too much of their content can be dangerous. - Myth 7. You need to eat only substances enriched with antioxidants.
The labels on the label screaming about the high concentration of antioxidants are not always worth believing - this may well be an advertising trick. Read the composition - it will not deceive.
So, here are the legends that are often propagandized from TV screens, and from store shelves. We hope that our article will help you to understand such a complex issue as the proper intake of food containing antioxidants. Eat right, and of course, be healthy!