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