Antioxidants
In order to understand antioxidants its first important to understand free radicals.
Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that have potential to harm cells. They are created when a molecule gains or looses an electron. While free radicals are formed naturally in the body, high concentrations can be damaging to the body and result in cancer or other health conditions. Free radicals can increase in the body from high intensity exercise, illness, physical or mental stress and environmental toxins like pollution and sun exposure.
Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize free radicals by inhibiting their oxidation. Simply put, antioxidants attach to free radicals and therefore prevent them from causing damage. They do so by donating their own stable electron to a free radical so it too can remain stable.
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Antioxidants include vitamins, minerals and flavanoids found in plants. They play a role in the prevention of many medical conditions including, some cancers, maclar degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis chronic diseases and more
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Here are a few prominent antioxidants in moringa:
Vitamin C - a water-soluble compound in humans that neutralizes free radicals and supports the immune system.
Vitamin E - a fat-soluble compound that enhances immune function. It also helps prevent chronic diseases associated with free radicals.
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Beta Carotene - the body converts this into vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, immune system and good eye health and vision.
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Zinc - decreases oxcidative stress and lessens the incidence of infection.
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Selenium - strengthens and protects cell structure and supports cellular metabolism. Selenium also lessens free radical damage and boosts immune system function.
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Quercitin - a powerful antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure.
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Cholorgenic acid - may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals.
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Kaempferol - may help with inflammatory diseases and cancer.
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Here is the complete list of antioxidants in Moringa:
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Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B (Choline), Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) , Vitamin B2 (Rivoflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6, Alanine, Alpha-Carotene, Arginine, Beta-Carotene, Beta-Sitosterol, Caffeoylquinic Acid, Campesterol, Carotenoids, Chlorophyll, Chlorogenic acid, Chromium, Delta 5- Avenasterol, Delta 7 Avenasterol, Glutathione, Histidine, Indole Acetic Acid, Indoleacetonitrile, Kaempferal, Leucine, Lutein, Methionine, Myristic-Acid, Palmitic Acid, Prolamine, Proline, Quercitin, Rutin, Selenium, Threonine, Tryptophan, Xanthins, Xanthopyll, Zeatin, Zeaxanthin, Zinc.
References