Antioxidants

Antioxidants are found in many nourishing products and are considered a fountain of youth for the skin, hair and nails. They are responsible for the protection of our cells and kill dangerous, free radicals. But what exactly are antioxidants, what do they do and what are they contained in?

Free radicals lack an electron in their chemical structure. This missing particle is stolen from other molecules at breakneck speed and with great aggression. This process is called oxidation and can put the body under massive stress. Because the molecule now lacks an electron, which was stolen by the free radical. This creates a chain reaction, which can lead to impaired cell function, cell death or uncontrolled cell division (cancer). Even tired skin and hair, varicose veins, an accelerated aging process and hypertension are just a few of the possible consequences of the clash of free radicals. Antioxidants can protect our cells from free radicals.

Frau mit roten Boxhandschuhen

Antioxidants are also called radical scavengers because they can protect us from the attack of free radicals. The antioxidants voluntarily release an electron from the aggressive, free radical. However, this can only happen if there are enough antioxidants in our body. Unlike the stolen molecules, antioxidants can never become free radicals themselves because they are immediately restored to their antioxidant form. This breaks the free radical chain reaction and protects the cells.

Our body has long since adapted and developed appropriate radical scavenging strategies. Through stress, little exercise, wrong and one-sided diet or the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, the body's defense function is inhibited.

Therefore, you should absolutely take care to give your body rest and to supply enough antioxidants. The hair can also change due to the attack of free radicals. They fall out, do not grow enough and look flabby, old and tired. Antioxidants can provide your body with a well-balanced diet in sufficient form. In fruits and vegetables, seedlings, wild plants and herbs, natural oils and fats, as well as in oilseeds and nuts many antioxidants are included.

But also in cosmetics, the effect of antioxidants is used. To prevent premature aging of skin and hair, the products are added antioxidant ingredients. These ingredients protect the skin and hair and keep the cells intact.

Free radicals are even produced by our own bodies, they are even important in some processes. For example, in cell respiration, energy production and the body's defense of the immune system. Free radicals can also destroy pathogens and inhibit inflammatory processes.

This body's own production is normal and completely alright with a natural level of anti-oxidants, and the ratio recovers. However, if environmental influences such as air pollution, chemicals, consumption of harmful foods (eg industrially processed fats, sugar, preservatives, dyes, etc.), pesticide residues, radioactive or electromagnetic radiation, etc. are involved, then your own body will not be able to reproduce it to keep the free radicals in check.

Antioxidants include vitamin C, but also phytochemicals (e.g., isoflavones, favonoids, etc.), vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and enzymes.

Keeping your body in the fight against too many free radicals can help you maintain a healthy diet, keep your body paused, and use antioxidant products. Aging is delayed and your skin, hair and organism stay in good health and look fresh and young.