Antioxidants
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The oxidation-reduction is necessary for life; it involves a transfer of electrons from one substance to an oxidizing agent. The reaction may be responsible for the production of free radicals (unstable chemical entities that can react with many compounds). This extreme free radical reactivity may lead to a chain reaction with formation of new free radicals and the spread of other radical species. The term "cascade radical" is used. At the heart of living matter, it can lead to partial or complete destruction of the structure of cells and tissues in which the mechanism was triggered.
The oxygen molecule so indispensable to life then plays a detrimental role.
The body naturally protects itself against these highly toxic molecules by means of antioxidants or "scavengers of free oxygen radicals". These antioxidants are, on the one hand, enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and the peroxidase system), and on the other hand, various molecules (ceruloplasmin, taurine, vitamin E and vitamin C).
A deficiency or absence of these enzymes is called "oxidative stress.»
A balance is maintained between the oxygen essential to life and the inevitable formation of free radicals during the use of oxygen by the cell metabolism. Cell integrity and survival is at stake here.
The disruption of the balance occurs in certain pathological conditions: irradiation and UV exposure, for example. Degradation of molecules generated by this phenomenon in the cell and degradation of the majority of tissue structures plays a major role in the origins and development of inflammatory reactions, lesions of ischemia and the phenomena of cancer.
Free radicals are particularly likely to be involved in the aging process...
Conversely, free radicals can, in the event of production by phagocytic cells, participate in the destruction of infectious agents by these cells.
Antioxidants are used: in the chemical industry (preventing the hardening of rubber, for example), metallurgy (protection of metals against rusting) and the agri-food industry (avoid fats become rancid) and in dyeing.
Antioxidants are naturally present in food: ß-carotene (provitamin A, found in fruits and vegetables such as peppers, carrots, apricots, etc.); ascorbic acid (vitamin C, present in the citrus fruits, vegetables, etc.), tocopherol (vitamin E, present in vegetable oils), polyphenols and lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon, berries, etc.).
There are also the flavonoids (plants), tannins (found in cocoa, coffee, tea, grapes, etc.), anthocyanins (red berries) and phenolic acids (grains, fruits and vegetables).
Some minerals such as selenium (in very low dose because it is very toxic) and zinc are antioxidants
Studies on the use of antioxidants as a means of protecting the body are do not agree , but they are continuing to be pursued as a means of better understanding the effects of the various antioxidants present in food.
It is, however, necessary to have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, sources of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Antioxidants can be taken as a dietary supplement and there is talk of "oral cosmetics" whose purpose is to improve the physiological balance of the skin, hair and / or nails. These are just supplements which may be taken in the interests of "beauty" only to be used as part of a balanced diet. Since an excess of them can be harmful to health, advice should always be sought from a health professional before embarking on this path.