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Antioxidants, what are they?

Antioxidant active ingredients are sets of natural molecules comprising trace elements, micronutrients and vitamins. They are found in organic cosmetics in food to fight against the harmful effects of free radicals. The latter are molecules leading to the development of certain diseases and causing premature aging. Consuming these antioxidants helps to fight against various pathologies and provides multiple benefits for the skin.

Antioxidant active ingredients used in cosmetics

For several years, antioxidant active ingredients have had an important place in cosmetics. They allow, among other things, to keep a beautiful skin longer and to delay aging. Generally, they reduce cell inflammation, limit spots and eliminate wrinkles. Moreover, these anti-oxidants also have the ability to protect the skin daily from pollution and prevent blemishes.

For greater efficiency and to protect the skin, many anti-oxidants should be combined in ultra-specific formulas. They must be applied all year round to fight against sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles. The antioxidants to be used in a natural cosmetic treatment are, among other things, vitamin E or Tocopherol. It has a restorative action. Then, you have to choose vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid or even flavonoids. We must not forget the antioxidants of red fruits such as blackcurrants, blueberries, cranberries and many others.

Antioxidants against the effects of pollution

Multiple human activities pollute the environment, leading to pollution of the air we breathe. Examples of oxidizing elements include nitrogen dioxide and ozone. These can cause very serious respiratory problems. This is why it is advisable to consume antioxidants to combat the oxidative stress caused by this air pollution.

Apart from consumption, daily care should be applied containing anti-oxidant active ingredients to help the skin defend itself. Polluting particles, whether outside or at home, attach themselves to the skin and make it dull. To avoid depleting the natural defenses and asphyxiating the cells, do not fail to use products that can protect the skin. You should apply an organic cosmetic after the day care and before makeup to be more effective all day.

Take antioxidants to stay in shape

Fitness is fundamental to good health. It is the result of a balance between flexibility, strength and endurance. To stay in shape and have a good physical condition, the body needs to be maintained by doing, among other things, physical exercises every day. These help increase energy, reduce stress hormones and reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke. But, you also need to stock up on antioxidants. Vitamins A, E and C as well as selenium can play an essential role in the immune system. These can even improve the body's defense reactions.

Long unknown, zinc is one of the active antioxidants. It is a molecule that is involved in processes related to growth, the endocrine system, wound healing, reproduction and many others.

Antioxidant active ingredients as eye protectors

Protection of eyesight is also one of the many benefits of antioxidant active ingredients In general, all antioxidant molecules are protective of the eye and vision. Examples include carotenoids, more specifically zeaxanthin found in corn or cauliflower. These have the ability to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration or AMD by 93% and the occurrence of cataracts by 47%. Then we have lutein in egg yolks, carrots, oranges and spinach. These are also effective. Indeed, the risk of AMD can be reduced by 69% in people with high levels of this molecule.

In addition, the antioxidant active ingredients beta-carotene and selenium are also renowned for their action against eye-damaging free radicals. They can be a barrier against light.

Active antioxidants against cancer

Antioxidants are essential for maintaining health. They have all the virtues to prevent certain cancers. The consumption of 500g per day of fruit and vegetables, for example, reduces the risk of aero-digestive cancers by 50%. To avoid lung cancer, it would be necessary to eat a diet rich in carotenoids and vitamin C. In addition, it should be noted that smoking is the main danger for the lungs and the main cause of death from cancer. According to the results of a study, antioxidants like alpha-carotene, lycopene, beta-carotene have the ability to protect the lungs of heavy male smokers against this type of disease. On the other hand, vitamin C seems to reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

The virtues of antioxidants against cardiovascular disease

To preserve your heart and blood vessels, antioxidant active ingredients can be important allies. Many situations can promote the production of free radicals, including alcohol consumption, taking certain medications or even stress. These compounds can cause cardiovascular disease. This is why it is essential to take antioxidant active ingredients to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Indeed, a lack of antioxidants is extremely harmful.

In anti-oxidants, we can find:

· Vitamin C which is very effective in lowering blood pressure. It is at the level of the food that one can have a sufficient level of vitamin C. Consuming a lemon juice, a kiwi and an orange for example brings nearly 400 mg of vitamin C.

· Insufficient vitamin E may increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. To avoid this, eat nuts, whole grains, green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils.

Be well!

Sonya