Substâncias antioxidantes em alimentos e seus benefícios para a saúde: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the action of free radicals in the body preventing cell aging and the appearance and prevention of diseases such as cancer. they can be found in natural foods, vitamin and mineral supplements and rejuvenating creams. To conduct this study, we asked ourselves: What are the benefits of foods that contain antioxidant substances for human health? The study sought to explain about the formation of antioxidants, from the perspective of chemical reactions and vitamins, natural pigments, minerals and other plant compounds. Antioxidant substances prevent the oxidation of other chemical substances, a process that occurs during metabolic reactions, inserting the enzymes present in these substances and blocking the harmful effect of free radicals. Thus, it was seen through this study that the intake of food sources of antioxidants, such as: papaya, broccoli, orange, carrot, tomato, strawberry and spinach, rich in vitamins A, C, E, carotenoids and phenolic compounds are directly related to the prevention of several types of degenerative diseases, this is because their substances are able to cancel the harmful effect of free radicals and reduce the so-called “oxidative stress”, promoting the implantation of cellular metabolic functions. Keywords: Antioxidants. Food. Health.