How do antioxidants and functional foods protect health?

 

In recent years, people often explore the interaction between antioxidants, free radicals and functional foods and their impact on human health, disease prevention and quality of life.

Free radicals are unstable molecules produced by metabolic activities or environmental factors such as pollution and radiation. They can cause cell damage, accelerate aging, and may lead to a variety of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Antioxidants are important substances that protect the body from free radical damage, neutralizing harmful chemicals and protecting cells from damage. Common antioxidants include vitamins C, E, polyphenols and flavonoids. Studies have shown that adequate intake of antioxidants can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, while also delaying aging and maintaining skin elasticity and radiance.

Functional foods are a type of food that not only provides basic nutrition but also has additional health benefits. They usually contain bioactive ingredients that can help prevent disease, enhance immunity, and regulate physiological functions. For example, whole grains rich in dietary fiber can help digestion and lower cholesterol; milk rich in calcium and vitamin D can help bone health; berries rich in antioxidants can enhance immunity.

There are many types of functional foods, including natural foods and fortified foods. Natural functional foods, such as olive oil, honey, blueberries and garlic, are rich in nutrients and bioactive substances. For example, blueberries are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, which can help improve brain function; garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Fortified functional foods enhance their health value by adding specific nutrients. For example, cereals fortified with folic acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects; yogurt fortified with probiotics can improve intestinal health.

Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals, while functional foods promote health and prevent diseases by providing additional nutrients. Antioxidants and functional foods are an important part of a modern healthy diet. By combining diets properly, we can take full advantage of their health benefits, prevent diseases, delay aging, and improve the quality of life.

References:

Aribi M A B, Hameed S A. Antioxidants, free radicals, functional foods and their impact on human health (A Review)[J]. Alnakhla Journal of Science, 2025, 14(1): 7-18.

by GSHWORLD

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