Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures
They are sometimes called "free-radical scavengers." The sources of antioxidants can be natural or artificial. Certain plant-based foods are thought to be rich in antioxidants. Plant-based antioxidants are a kind of phytonutrient, or plant-based nutrient.
The body also produces some antioxidants, known as endogenous antioxidants. Antioxidants that come from outside the body are called exogenous. The balance between oxidation and antioxidation is believed to be critical in maintaining healthy biological systems. Under physiological conditions, the human antioxidative defense system including e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) and others, allows the elimination of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) including, among others superoxide anions (O2.-), hydroxyl radicals (OH.), alkoxyl radicals (RO.) and peroxyradicals (ROO.). However, our endogenous antioxidant defense systems are incomplete without exogenous originating reducing compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenols, playing an essential role in many antioxidant mechanisms in living organisms. Therefore, there is continuous demand for exogenous antioxidants in order to prevent oxidative stress, representing a disequilibrium redox state in favor of oxidation. However, high doses of isolated compounds may be toxic, owing to pro-oxidative effects at high concentrations or their potential to react with beneficial concentrations of ROS normally present at physiological conditions that are required for optimal cellular functioning.
Free radicals are waste substances produced by cells as the body processes food and reacts to the environment. If the body cannot process and remove free radicals efficiently, oxidative stress can result. This can harm cells and body function. Free radicals are also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Factors that increase the production of free radicals in the body can be internal, such as inflammation, or external, for example, pollution, UV exposure, and cigarette smoke.
Oxidative stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, respiratory diseases, immune deficiency, emphysema, Parkinson's disease, and other inflammatory or ischemic conditions. This has been linked to higher rates of developing dental disease, such as periodontal disease.
Examples of antioxidants that come from outside the body include:
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- beta-carotene
- lycopene
- lutein
- selenium
- manganese
- zeaxanthin
Flavonoids, flavones, catechins, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens are all types of antioxidants and phytonutrients, and they are all found in plant-based foods.
Each antioxidant serves a different function and is not interchangeable with another. This is why it is important to have a varied diet.
Endogenous antioxidant molecules are:
- Glutathione
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Coenzyme Q,
- Ferritin
- Uric acid, Bilirubin
- Metallothionein
- L-carnitine
- Melatonin.
Effect of cooking
Cooking particular foods can either increase or decrease antioxidant levels.
Lycopene is the antioxidant that gives tomatoes their rich red color. When tomatoes are heat-treated, the lycopene becomes more bio-available (easier for our bodies to process and use).
However, studies have shown that cauliflower, peas, and zucchini lose much of their antioxidant activity in the cooking process. Keep in mind that the important thing is eating a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, cooked and raw.
To take or not to take supplements labeled as high in Antioxidants?
More isn't always better
When researchers first started linking free radicals with chronic disease and ageing, it seemed logical that boosting your antioxidant intake, especially through supplements, would be the antidote. But, as is often the case, the scientific evidence hasn't panned out that way.
"More is not always more in nutrition. And too much can be a bad thing, especially in the mega high doses coming in the supplements," Dr. Beckett said.
In fact, research has shown that, in some instances, taking antioxidant supplements can cause harm, and even increase the risk of cancer. Dr Beckett said that's because at high concentrations, substances that normally behave as antioxidants can have the opposite effect and act as pro-oxidants.
"I would definitely urge caution with using the supplements," Dr Beckett said.
Dental/ Periodontal health and its connection to your dental health
Periodontitis is a slowly progressive chronic inflammatory disorder, which generally occurs in response to an imbalance between the antioxidant defense mechanisms and repair efforts by our immune system. Many of the nutrients important for overall and dental health cannot be manufactured by the body, and therefore, they must be supplied in the diet.
Dietary antioxidants play a vital role in the maintenance of oral health and have a potential to influence periodontal disease management, which positively affects clinical outcomes. A strong association exists between periodontal health and antioxidants, both of which have an inverse interrelationship. Thus, obtaining enough antioxidants through our diet to promote healthier gums is essential for the overall health. This explains the indispensable role of dietary antioxidants in periodontal health.
In conclusion:
For your overall and dental health, it remains important to eat a diet full of vegetables and fruits. By eating a healthy diet, we should have enough antioxidants for an overall health.
Eating a diet full of vegetables and fruits is important but not enough to have a healthy mouth. It is still important to practice good dental habits, such as flossing and brushing and seeing your dental providers regularly.
