What Antioxidants Can Do

Psychologies: What are antioxidants?

Svetlana Elchaninova: Let’s start with the concept of “oxidants”. These are chemicals whose molecules have one or two unpaired electrons and therefore are forced to take the missing electrons from the molecules of other cells, making them unstable. Affected molecules begin to attack the rest, a chain reaction occurs, as a result of which the cellular structure of all tissues of the body is damaged.

Antioxidants (also called “free radical scavengers”) are substances that inactivate, make safe oxidants and prevent the formation of new ones. They turn their molecules into stable ones, and the substance is easily excreted from the body without any harmful effects on it.

So oxidants and free radicals are the same thing?

S. E .: Most of the oxidants (or, in other words, oxidizing agents) are free radicals, that is, they have one unpaired electron on the outer shell of the molecule.

Now there is a lot of talk about the fact that a polluted environment causes the appearance of a large number of oxidants in the body. Is it really true?

S. E .: Yes, because oxidants are mainly formed as a result of the combustion process: the more machines around us, smoking factories and industries that burn waste, the more likely there is an excess of oxidants in our body. UV and gamma radiation (radiation) can also cause the formation of free radicals. But in order to talk about how serious the threat to our health is, it is necessary to examine the state of air, soil and water.

Oxidative stress – what is it?

S. E .: This is a condition in which an excessive amount of oxidants (also called active oxygen) accumulate in the body. It also occurs under the influence of external negative factors, and as a result of certain diseases, for example, with angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, and with any inflammation. Free radicals change the structure of cells, disrupt the natural metabolism, and we feel bad. But there are situations when oxidative stress, on the contrary, saves us.

What do you mean?

S. E .: Thanks to the increased amount of free radicals, we adapt to extreme conditions and extremely negative environmental influences. In such circumstances (for example, during severe cold or heavy physical exertion), the body itself begins to actively produce oxidants, and the metabolism is rebuilt. And then he also produces … antioxidants that “block” already unnecessary free radicals. Thus, our body “learns” to cope with extreme loads. This process is similar to sports training. If it is built correctly, it will benefit health. But if the physical activity is inadequate to the capabilities of the body, this will most likely lead to its exhaustion and illness.

It seems that our body is so wise that it does not need additional antioxidants?

S. E .: On the contrary, we can only get some of them from the outside, for example, vitamins E, C, flavonoids, lycopene. Plant foods are the most reliable and natural source of nutrients with antioxidant properties.

How do antioxidants affect the aging process?

S. E .: Reactive oxygen species (oxidants from outside or inside) affect the genetic apparatus of cells and cause their natural death (apostosis). Thus, they accelerate the aging process, and antioxidants (theoretically) can slow it down – there is experimental evidence for this. However, scientists have not yet been able to achieve complete, scientifically based control over aging. We have yet to understand how, in what doses and which antioxidants should be used for this.

How effective are these substances in cosmetics?

S. E .: Anti-aging products use substances whose effects are well studied. For example, vitamins C and E or a metabolite antioxidant called Q10, which is produced in our body but becomes deficient with age. Their effectiveness is related to how easily these antioxidants penetrate the skin. For example, fat-soluble vitamin E is well absorbed by the skin. And water-soluble vitamin A and beta-carotene penetrate only into its surface layers. When antioxidants are “packaged” in nanocapsules (microparticles the size of which allows them to transport the substances contained in them into the depths of tissues without damaging them), they are usually effective – but not all cosmetic brands can afford this expensive technology. However, it should be borne in mind that the appearance of our skin largely depends on how effectively it is nourished from the inside, through the circulatory system.

So how can we help ourselves?

S. E .: Antioxidants in natural products are most effective because they have high bioavailability, that is, they easily penetrate into the bloodstream and are well absorbed. Artificially produced antioxidant preparations are never completely absorbed. Many foods contain antioxidants: fruits, berries, red wine, green tea (see the box on page 150 for more details). For example, vitamin C is found in plant foods, but it is important to know that it is destroyed during long-term storage. Therefore, when the season of fresh fruits and vegetables ends, we should start taking vitamin C in the form of pills. As for nutritional supplements (BAA), only those drugs that are sold in pharmacies are scientifically developed. Each of them has its own antioxidant activity, so the optimal dose and course of administration depend on the specific situation – it is better to consult a doctor with this question.

Can antioxidants be dangerous?

S. E .: For the most part, these are water-soluble substances, so even in large quantities they are harmless and are themselves excreted from the body. However, you should not use food supplements for a long time (without medical supervision), the mechanism of action of which is not fully understood. They are useful only with increased stress – during a period of emotional overstrain, with respiratory and viral diseases, during a difficult session or the delivery of a complex project at work. But in general, it is better to rely on the body’s own strengths, especially since we have every opportunity to strengthen them and train our adaptive systems.

5 living springs

• Flavonoids have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Sources: red wine, green tea, legumes, pomegranate, and cranberries.
• Vitamin A promotes tissue regeneration and bone repair.
• Sources: Carrots, orange vegetables and fruits, broccoli and artichokes, dairy products.
• Vitamin C improves immunity. Sources: red berries, orange and other citrus fruits.
• Lycopene reduces the risk of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, improves skin elasticity. Sources: tomato, watermelon, pink grapefruit.
• Vitamin E protects arteries, helps resist stress. Sources: nuts and dried fruits, leafy greens, unrefined vegetable oils.