Antioxidant supplements play a protective role for our general health including the health of our
hair.
Antioxidants supplements are supposed to slow down the oxidation reactions which are brought about by the free radicals. The
Free radicals are highly reactive unstable atoms generated in our body that can damage cells leading to a number of
diseases and aging. According to the Free-radical theory of aging, these highly
reactive oxygen species (ROS), damage the DNA, proteins and other
cellular structures like the cell membranes and
cell organelles.
The reaction of free radicals within cells, and subsequent damage has been linked to a range of disorders and
chronic diseases including
cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, alzheimer's and
diabetes and inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidants are able to slow down or block these dangerous reactions in the body. They do it either by reacting with intermediates and halting the oxidation reaction directly. They react with the free radicals and prevent the oxidation reaction from occurring.
Antioxidants supplements can be taken as dietary supplements or taken as tablets and capsules. Studies suggest those dietary antioxidants supplements provide a range of are benefits for our health. However, excess
antioxidant supplementation may be counter-productive.
Diet carrying antioxidant supplements A healthy and
balanced diet containing antioxidant supplements plays a pivotal role in retaining your hair’s health. Some of the herbal nutrition supplements and some fruits which contain antioxidants serve as natural medications for
hair loss.
Antioxidant food supplements are found in various forms – vegetables, fruits, grain cereals, legumes, nuts, etc. The sources of antioxidants include fruits (berries and peppers, apple skins, cider, wine), vegetables (spinach, tea leaves), fungi (mushrooms), whole grain cereals (hops, barley, millet and maize), nuts (pecans, pistachios, almonds), beans (cacao including chocolate, coffee).
Polyphenol antioxidants, is the type of antioxidant is characterized by the presence of several phenol functions. It is found in a wide array of phytonutrient-bearing foods. Examples include - most of the legumes; fruits like apples, blackberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, grapes, pears, plums, raspberries, and strawberries; vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, celery, onion and parsley. All the above are rich sources of polyphenol antioxidants.Alternative sources of
polyphenol antioxidant include red wine, chocolate, green tea, olive oil, bee pollen and several grains. Antioxidant vitaminsSome of the vitamins that are good sources of antioxidants, the antioxidant vitamins are Vitamins A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Vitamin AThe animal form of Vitamin A is
retinol. It is a yellow, fat-soluble
antioxidant vitamin found in animal foods such as eggs, liver, whole milk and fortified foods like fat-reduced milk, cereals and breads. Vitamin A, are the dark-colored pigments found in plant foods like fruits and vegetables (especially dark green leafy ones) and include spinach, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes and squash.
Vitamin CIt is a
natural antioxidant helpful in maintaining
healthy hair. Sources of this vitamin are foods such as citrus fruits, kiwi, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes with their skins and dark green vegetables. The daily recommended dose for vitamin C is 60 mg.
Vitamin EIt increases
scalp circulation which is crucial for
hair growth. You get Vitamin E from foods like wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds ad nuts, dried beans and leafy green vegetables. The daily recommended dose for vitamin E is up to 400 IU.