Antioxidant Facts..Can We Consume Too Much of Them?

Antioxidant Facts

Are antioxidants bad for you?

Can you have too much of them?

In the UK recently, there were some news articles that were putting high-dose supplements such as vitamin C and vitamin E under the spotlight and were 'slated' by researchers suggesting that they may actually be damaging our bodies.

These claims were based on a study that basically said that an excess of these supplements could potentially cause cell damage. It does this by depriving the body of hydrogen peroxide (naturally produced), which is a chemical that promotes oxidation.

Apparently it is only in the last decade that we have become aware of the fact that we need hydrogen peroxide (and other pro-oxidative substances), as we rely on oxidation 'bursts' to kill bacteria and viruses in the body.

Also, for insulin to operate correctly in the body, we need hydrogen peroxide, so if we are too eager to 'mop' up too many free radicals, then our risk of diabetes is increased.



It's for these reasons that antioxidants aren't 'flavor of the month' with scientists currently.

But it's all about getting the fine balance. It's the old rule, too much of anything can be bad for you, and I guess that could apply to antioxidants.

Having said that, many studies and research has proved that free radical over-production will age us much quicker, and increases our risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and dementia etc....

Personally, I have been taking various antioxidant supplements along with a healthy fruit and veg diet for many years now, the result? At 50 yrs old (at time of writing) I am very fit, healthy, active in sports, never been to a hospital for anything other than a sports injury, and feel like I was back in my mid-twenties.

Hmm, must be something in these antioxidants!

It is just not possible to overdose on antioxidants from eating food alone, however you should be careful about taking large quantities of high-dose supplements. Don't adopt the mentality of, if a little is good..then a lot must be better.

Antioxidant Facts..Variety Is The Key

This is because antioxidants do not all operate in the same way.Some are excellent at fighting certain types of free radicals, whilst others are effective only in specific parts of the cells.

Colorado State University, US did a study and found that those people that consumed the greatest range, had the most DNA protection.

So, the take home lesson here is to eat a combo of antioxidants, as they perform better when taken synergistically with each other and other nutrients.

Look upon them as a type of army. You need generals, corporals and privates, all with their different duties to perform. Well the same goes for anti-oxidants and the roles they perform.

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