Two diseases that are extremely different from each other can have one cause. For example, cancer and cardiovascular ailments. Harmful free radicals are one of the major reasons behind their onset. Notably, free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons and that's what makes them highly reactive. They are produced when your body breaks down food for digestion and when you expose your body to radiation and tobacco. Notably, the World Health Organisation has stated that above-mentioned health conditions are the leading causes of fatalities worldwide.
Role of Free Radicals in Causing Cancer And Heart Diseases
Free radicals are detrimental to your health. They can react to your body cells and result in abnormal cell growth that can further cancer. These are known to damage your DNA, cell membrane, and proteins potentially.
Free radicals also cause the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. This process turns the cholesterol molecules into substances that can form plaques in your artery wall, eventually blocking blood flow. This can further lead to a heart stroke, attack, or even death.
How Antioxidants Reduce Risk of Cancer And Cardiovascular Diseases?
You can decrease the chance of developing any of these by picking food items wisely. Yes, you heard that right. What you consume plays a vital part in shaping your body and health. In this case, you should opt for food items containing antioxidants. As per a study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, antioxidants can minimise the burden of free radicals. Also, they help in keeping your immune system's functions optimum. As far as antioxidants' role in preventing cardiovascular diseases is concerned, they prevent the oxidation of cholesterol molecules that form plaque and stop the heart's blood flow.
Food Sources of Antioxidants
Gamma Oryzanol is one of the famous super antioxidants that has been scientifically found to be effective in the fight against cancer and cardiovascular ailments. The antioxidant has anti-cancerous properties, and it helps in controlling your cholesterol levels too. You can have this by using rice bran oil as it is obtained from this oil. Apart from this, you can opt for food items packed with other antioxidants. These include blueberries, kale, raspberries, red cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, etc.