One of the terms related to health that has become very popular in the last two decades is 'antioxidants.' The term entered the hoi polloi's nutritional vocabulary back in the 90s. When food or beverage items like red wine or chocolate is mentioned, it's one of the things that usually comes to one's mind. And then they start thinking about its health benefits.
Although antioxidants can provide health benefits, there are certain things that many people don't know about them or at least misunderstand. Find out what the research say about what they can and cannot do in terms of improving our health below:
They're not created equal - Antioxidants come in various types, which means that in order for you to get the full range of benefits they provide, you should consume a variety of fruits or vegetables rich in them. Having some of each of those varieties should make up the mix that you'll consume so you can fully benefit from them. Certain antioxidants play a bigger role in preventing certain diseases, while others are more capable of fighting neurodegenerative conditions.
You don't just get them from naturally occurring sources - It's true that nothing beats getting your dose of vitamins and minerals from natural food or drinks. However, if you're an adult, you may fall short of meeting recommended daily intakes for vitamins like C and E. An average adult needs at least 15mg of vitamin E daily, and more than 90% of people don't get that amount. If you think you're not getting the required daily amount from your diet, you can get it from supplements.
They're not the silver bullet for extending life - Some people may be under the impression that antioxidants can also extend their life. That's not true at all, although there is evidence that vitamins C and E may help in reducing the risk of macular degeneration which comes with age. But this doesn't mean taking more antioxidants can easily be equated to prolonging one's life. In fact, just like with anything, having too much of them is also risky.
Don't load up from the wrong sources - There are processed snacks and drinks that claim they have high levels of antioxidants. You should, however, be skeptical if they are formulated into products that aren't necessarily healthy, like soda.
These are some of the least-known facts about antioxidants that you should be aware of so you'll enjoy their full health benefits while erring on the side of safety.
