Benefits of Antioxidant Vitamins
The benefits of antioxidant vitamins are very difficult to prove and to date there is no hard evidence that exists. Most studies on the benefits of antioxidant vitamins rely on people self-reporting their own dietary habits. This makes such surveys not that reliable and what’s more, reflects only short-term eating habits. Other studies on the benefits of antioxidant vitamins are done in laboratories on animals or blood samples. Thus, the results of these studies may not necessarily reflect the true effects of antioxidant vitamins on humans.
Still, no matter how flimsy the evidence may seem as to the benefits of antioxidant vitamins, there is nothing wrong with continuing to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. And besides, various studies have shown that where the benefits of antioxidant vitamins aren’t manifest in supplements, they surely are when it comes to a natural diet of fresh produce.
The benefits of antioxidant vitamins include neutralizing free radicals. These free radicals are responsible for many degenerative diseases and disorders, not least of which is various types of cancer. The neutralizing effect and benefits of antioxidant vitamins also help boost the body’s immune system, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing cancer.
Deficiencies in the benefits of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene have been linked to heart disease. All of these nutrients exhibit the benefits of antioxidant vitamins and other such properties that have positive effects on the heart.
Another group of vitamins that contribute to the benefits of antioxidant vitamins are folate and B12 vitamins. Various studies show that deficiencies in the B vitamins folate or folic acid and B12 have been associated with elevated blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid. The same studies showed that there are lower failure rates after heart surgery in patients who took folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6.
The benefits of antioxidant vitamins are certainly not inclusive only with cancer prevention. The benefits of antioxidant vitamins also include heart protection, especially with natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, organosulfurs, isoflavones, and sterols. Certain flavonoids, found in both black and green tea, dark chocolate, onions, red wine or red grape juice, and apples, appear to have the strong heart protective benefits of antioxidant vitamins. In a 2003 study, people who consumed the most flavonoids in foods had a 20% lower risk for heart disease than those with low consumption. Flavonoids may also protect against the damage done by cholesterol and help prevent blood clots.
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