ខ្មែរ
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Antioxidants are beneficial substances that defend your cells against harm from unstable molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals are linked to aging and illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, and they can come from normal body functions, pollution, sunlight, and processed foods.
You can help your body fight free radicals by making healthy choices, such as not smoking, limiting sun exposure, and eating a nutritious diet. Getting enough antioxidants is also important. Your body makes some antioxidants, but you need to get more from the foods you eat. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and selenium, are all common antioxidants.
You can find these helpful substances in a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. Dairy and eggs have vitamin A, while berries, citrus fruits, and broccoli are good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Carrots and mangoes provide beta-carotene, tomatoes and watermelon have lycopene, leafy greens and corn contain lutein, and grains, meats, nuts, and legumes are sources of selenium.
Each antioxidant is good for you in its own way, but too much of one kind can be bad. Before you change your diet or take supplements, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good way to lower your risk of some diseases, but antioxidants by themselves won’t prevent serious health problems. Supplements that claim to have antioxidants aren’t always reliable, and the information on the label might not be accurate.
Taking large amounts of certain antioxidants can be risky, especially for smokers. For example, too much beta-carotene might increase the chance of lung cancer in people who smoke. Some antioxidants can also interfere with medications.
If you’re thinking about antioxidants, ask your doctor where else you can find them in food, how much you need, which ones are right for you, and if supplements are safe, especially if you smoke or have cancer. Remember, overall healthy eating and living are key to staying well.
