Types of Antioxidants
History & Uses
Terrestrial plants began to produce antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Polyphenols, tocopherols etc due to their adapatation.
Extensive study was carried out on uses of antioxidants in industrial processes, eg. metal corrossion, vulcanization of rubber, etc.
Commonly used as a stabilizers, lubricants to prevent oxidation.
They are also used as food additivies to stop deterioration.
Seven Types of Antioxidants
There are Seven types of antioxidants useful for human beings :-
1. Vitamin A (2997 I.U.)
It helps to :-
- Improving immunity
- healthy eyes, soft and supple skin, stronger bones and teeth
- Preventing calcification/kidney stones, muscular weakness, acne and certain forms of cancer
- Helping in the repair and replacement of old tissues
- Delays ageing
- Lowers cholesterol
SOME SOURCES OF VITAMIN -A
egg (140 μg 16%)
apricot (96 μg 11%)
papaya (55 μg 6%)
tomatoes (42 μg 5%)
mango (38 μg 4%)
pea (38 μg 4%)
broccoli florets (31 μg 3%)
milk (28 μg 3%)
capsicum, red (2081 μg 231%)
sweet potato (961 μg 107%)
carrot (835 μg 93%)
broccoli leaf (800 μg 89%)
bell pepper, green (18 μg 2%)
2. Vitamin C (90 mg)
It helps in :-
- Protecting skin from UV damage
- Providing resistance to infection
- Promoting iron absorption from food, maintains healthy collagen and controls blood cholesterol
- Increasing sperm counts esp. in smokers
SOME SOURCES OF VITAMIN - C
Kakadu plum
Camu Camu
Acerola
Seabuckthorn
Chili pepper (green)
Guava (common, raw)
Broccoli
Papaya
Strawberry
Orange
Lemon
Pineapple
Cauliflower
Melon
Garlic
Grapefruit
3. Vitamin E (15 mg)
It helps in :-
- Improving skin conditions
- Improving appearance of scars
- Protecting the body’s membrane
- Maintaining healthy blood vessels
- thinning blood in body
4. Selenium (55 mcg)
It helps in :-
- Maintaining healthy hair, skin as well as eyes
- Promoting normal liver functions
- Increasing male potency
- Reducing the risk of heart disease as well as cancer
- Improving mental fatigue and anxiety
5. Manganese (2.3 mg)
It helps in :-
- Ensuring healthy bone structure
- Maintaining nervous system
- Absorption of calcium
6. Chromium (35 mcg)
It helps in :-
- Maintaining proper blood sugar levels
- Maintaining cholesterol levels
- Act as anti-depressant
- Regulating stomach hunger
- Protecting DNA and RNA
- Boosting immune system
7. Zinc (11 mg)
It helps in :-
- Strengthening the immune system
- Improving stress levels
- Preventing and shortening the duration of cold
- Reducing appearance of acne
- Providing antimicrobial action in the Gastro-intestinal tract
