Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and polyphenols in grapes, fight free radicals (one of the causes of aging and cancer) and protect the body from oxidative stress. It seems that the more you eat the better it is for your health. But experts warn against overdosing on antioxidants, noting that small amounts of free radicals exert beneficial effects.
Previous research has found that people who eat a diet rich in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Due to lower risk of various deaths. People naturally think that consuming more of a substance is a good thing.
However, there are risks to taking too many antioxidants, especially supplements. A minor side effect is that the skin may turn yellow or orange due to beta-carotene ingestion. Additionally, consuming large amounts of vitamin C can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
On the other hand, serious side effects may occur when high doses of beta-carotene are taken by people who are at high risk for lung cancer or cardiovascular disease, such as smokers, ex-smokers, or people who have inhaled asbestos. Reports say the risk may increase.
Research also shows that taking large amounts of vitamin E in supplements can affect the effectiveness of medications such as aspirin, warfarin, tamoxifen and cyclosporine A. Additionally, multiple studies using mouse body tissue have shown that antioxidants can promote tumor growth and metastasis. This suggests that people with high antioxidant levels should avoid taking antioxidant supplements, and researchers point out that one of the reasons why excessive antioxidant intake is harmful to the body is thought to be the suppression of the beneficial effects of free radicals. Specifically, low concentrations of free radicals are said to support cell growth and have beneficial effects on immune function, and are also involved in drug metabolism and breakdown and communication between cells.
There is considerable evidence that free radicals play a beneficial role in physiological processes. Consuming too much antioxidants can interfere with normal and important processes, causing unwanted consequences.
How to balance antioxidants and free radicals?
It all depends on eating a balanced diet.
Eating a balanced diet with enough fruits and vegetables will provide you with enough antioxidants. Nutritional supplements are rarely needed unless you have a chronic poor diet or a specific medical condition.
Exercise is also important. Free radicals are produced during exercise, but the muscles, heart, and liver have the ability to produce antioxidants that inhibit the production and negative effects of free radicals.
If you are considering taking antioxidant supplements, experts recommend consulting your health care professional. As mentioned above, taking the wrong amounts of antioxidants can actually harm your health, and if you're taking medications, they may interact with them, changing their effects and side effects.
In addition to antioxidants, the phenomenon in which a substance is beneficial at low doses but harmful at high doses is known as hormesis. A classic example is oxygen, which is necessary for breathing. Just because a little is good for you, doesn't mean more is better.
