In the fight against free radicals, antioxidant multi vitamin supplements used to be considered pretty effective. Yet, disturbing data has been revealed by recent research, because while up to a point antioxidant multi vitamin supplements counteract the impact of free radicals, they make them more powerful from a certain point onwards. Review your diet and see how you can improve it before turning to any supplement.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are some by products of cellular activity, extra molecules released by the body in the condition of excessive sun exposure and pollution. Free radicals have a close connection with the aging process, they weaken the body and make recovery slower. Free radicals are called 'free' because they attached to the wall of the cell and steal essential elements causing immense tissue damage.

Why do we need antioxidant multi vitamin supplements?

Vitamins A, C and E are normally taken from diet, on the one condition that we consume a balanced amount of nutrients from all the food categories. Nevertheless, lots of people have unplanned meals and irregular work schedules which prevents them from taking enough antioxidants from food. It is in such cases that antioxidant multi vitamin supplements are prescribed by doctors. With two or three capsules per day you can achieve good disease prevention against cancer, stroke or heart illness.

Are there alternatives to antioxidant multi vitamin supplements?

If you don't want to supplement, then watch your diet carefully. Dark green vegetables are the richest in nutrients. Vitamins are destroyed by cooking, therefore, you should mainly consume such vegetables raw. With some olive oil for the dressing and a few spices you can make some really delicious salads. You can use eggplants, yellow corn, broccoli, Brussels sprouts or beets. As for fruits, cherries, oranges, grapes, berries and raisins contain quite a large amount of antioxidants.

Side effects of antioxidant multi vitamin supplements

Some people have reported adverse reactions to antioxidant supplements. Most of the symptoms are digestive including black stools, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and bloating. Liquid multivitamins are more likely to trigger such reactions. You can prevent such side effects by taking the right dosage and following the doctor's orders in terms of administration frequency. Do not self-medicate particularly when you suffer from some chronic disease.

Antioxidant vitamins have fired quite a number of debates in the medical world. They have the reputation of fighting old age by preventing cellular decay associated with the release of free radicals. Vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) are the main antioxidant vitamins. Many people are now taking some antioxidant supplement either to stay in good shape and maintain youth or to fight cardio-vascular disease.

Medical precautions!

At the moment, it is not 100% sure that antioxidant vitamins can improve heart conditions. Instead of taking supplements, people are encouraged to eat a balanced diet, getting nutrients from all the major food categories. Antioxidant vitamins are normally taken from food and they are enough to keep you healthy. Better consume nuts, whole grains and fruits instead of supplements!

Other natural antioxidants!

There are other substances and chemicals that the body can use to fight free radicals, and these elements act in combination with vitamins. Normally, the secretion of free radicals increases because of pollution and extensive sun exposure. Zinc, selenium, grape seed extract, gingko biloba and green tea have a powerful antioxidant action. Some of these are available in the form of herbal supplements, while the others can be taken directly from food. Drink one or two cups of green tea per day and have several fruit servings.

Antioxidant vitamins and physical exercises!

Very intense physical activity after long rest periods do more harm than good because they accelerate the release of free radicals and their damage rate. Do regular physical activity and use antioxidant vitamins to keep free radicals under control. Regular exercises boost up the body's defenses ensuring protection against free radicals. Nevertheless scientists can hardly give an answer to whether a supplementation of antioxidant vitamins will better help an athlete deal with cellular oxidation.