We often read and hear the words anti-oxidant and immunity, especially in promotional flyers regarding supplement products, food and drinks related to health.
What is an anti-oxidant? let’s look at it together.
Antioxidants are natural or man-made substances that can prevent or delay several types of cell damage due to the oxidation process by oxidants.
Oxidants themselves are free radicals, free radicals are molecules that have one or more unpaired electrons. Because they do not have this pair, these electrons or free radicals are reactive and can interact with other molecules to find additional electron pairs. This interaction can cause a chain reaction that can result in damage to cells and tissues in the body. This process is called oxidative stress and can contribute to various chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, ulcers, lungs, liver, neurodegenerative disorders and can also contribute to premature aging.
The main role of antioxidants is to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. When the body is exposed to free radicals, anti-oxidants will stop the chain of reactions of cell damage and destroy the free radicals.
Free radicals can occur due to external influences such as air pollution, cigarettes, radiation and so on.
In our body, free radicals occur together with metabolic and respiratory processes. Food intake that contains free radicals includes:
- Food cooked using a microwave
- Fried food
- Foods that are high in fat
- Food grilled using charcoal
- Foods that contain chemicals
The human body can actually neutralize these free radicals but if the amount is too much then our body is unable to neutralize them.
The most effective weapon to destroy free radicals so that they do not damage our healthy body cells is antioxidants. Antioxidants will stabilize free radicals in our body.
Immunity and antioxidants have a close relationship in maintaining body health.
In the context of the immune system, oxidative damage can disrupt the function of immune cells and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. By having enough antioxidants in our daily diet and a supportive environment, our body can maintain immunity and fight pathogens that attack our body.
Proper nutrition plays an important role in supporting the immune system and overall body health. Consuming nutrients that have strong antioxidants can help reduce oxidative damage and maintain an optimal immune system.
Some examples of antioxidant nutrients include:
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in the production and function of immune cells and stimulates the production of antibodies.
- Vitamin E functions to protect cells from oxidative damage and supports the immune system.
- Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A which is important for healthy skin and mucous membranes which are the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
- Zinc supports the development and function of immune cells and aids in the production of antibodies.
Antioxidants can be obtained from various sources:
- Fruits such as Blueberries, Strawberries
- Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, tomatoes
- Nuts and seeds
- Green tea
Wakeuptea products from Vitablitz are very rich in antioxidants because the ingredients used contain many antioxidants.
- Secang (Caesalpinia Sappan) contains antioxidant compounds which are useful for protecting body cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) contains compounds such as gingerol and shogaol which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cloves (Syzgium Aromaticum) are a strong antioxidant because they have a fairly high eugenal content.
- Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum) is rich in phytonutrients, vitamins and essential oils which act as strong antioxidants so they can neutralize the bad effects of free radicals.
Thus, maintaining antioxidant intake through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can help strengthen the immune system and maintain overall body health.
