{"id":1921,"date":"2022-06-27T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-27T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2plustopicals.com\/?p=1921"},"modified":"2022-10-17T13:53:49","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T18:53:49","slug":"the-antioxidant-mechanism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2plustopicals.com\/the-antioxidant-mechanism\/","title":{"rendered":"2 Largest Functions of the Antioxidant Mechanism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Antioxidant Mechanism <\/strong>- What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals<\/a> are molecules produced when the body breaks down food or gets exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation. These molecules contain an unpaired electron and are highly reactive, making them capable of damaging cells. There are many antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E; carotenoids such as beta-carotene; and enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase. Some antioxidants are found in foods, while the body produces others.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Antioxidant Mechanism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The antioxidant mechanism is complex. Antioxidants work by donating an electron to the free radical, thus neutralizing it. This process is known as hydrogen atom transfer or single electron transfer. In addition to preventing damage to cells, antioxidants also have other essential roles in the body, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Some of the most common antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E; carotenoids such as beta-carotene; and enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase. While some of these substances are found in foods, others get produced by the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Antioxidants <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many antioxidants, each with its unique chemical structure and function. Antioxidants get classified into two main groups: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble antioxidants include vitamin C and the group of substances known as bioflavonoids. These antioxidants travel through the bloodstream and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Fat-soluble antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. These antioxidants are stored in the body\u2019s cells and help to protect cell membranes from damage.<\/p>\n\n\n