How do antioxidant vitamins boost health?
Many foods have antioxidant properties. There are, though, specific vitamins that are known as antioxidant vitamins. They include vitamin A — retinol and the carotenoids — vitamin C, and vitamin E. These antioxidant vitamins appear to play a role in the body’s cell-protection system. They do this by neutralizing highly reactive and unstable molecules called free radicals that your body produces. Free radicals have been shown to disrupt and tear apart vital cell structures like cell membranes. Antioxidants tie up these free radicals and take away their destructive power. That may reduce the risk of chronic illness and slow down the aging process. Some researchers also believe that antioxidants might help boost immune function when a system is under stress. Antioxidants include: • Beta-carotene, found in apricots, carrots, cantaloupe, and pumpkin, is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A aids in the building and strengthening of bones, soft tissue, skin, and mucous membranes. O
