Antioxidants: Neem Fights the Damage of Free Radicals
Free radicals are waste substances, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced by cells as the body processes food and reacts to the environment. If the body cannot process and remove free radicals efficiently, oxidative stress can result, and harm cells and body function. Antioxidants are said to help neutralize free radicals in our bodies, which is thought to boost overall health. Neem has antioxidant properties that can help fight free radical damage.
Antioxidants’ Benefits
Oxidative stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, respiratory diseases, immune deficiency, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other inflammatory or ischemic conditions. Intake of antioxidants is believed to reduce these risks and protect against the cell damage that free radicals cause.
Activities and processes that can lead to oxidative stress include:
- mitochondrial activity
- excessive exercise
- tissue trauma, due to inflammation and injury
- ischemia and reperfusion damage
- consumption of certain foods, especially refined and processed foods, trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and certain dyes and additives
- smoking
- environmental pollution
- radiation
- exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides and drugs, including chemotherapy.
- industrial solvents
- ozone
According to one study: “Antioxidants act as radical scavenger, hydrogen donor, electron donor, peroxide decomposer, singlet oxygen quencher, enzyme inhibitor, synergist, and metal-chelating agents.”
Other research has indicated that antioxidant supplements may help reduce vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration in older people.
Neem’s Antioxidants
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a member of the Meliaceae family and its healing properties are attributed to it being a rich source of antioxidants. Visit http://www.dustandmop.com/. It has been widely used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicines worldwide, especially in the Indian subcontinent, in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Earlier findings confirmed that neem and its constituents play a role in the scavenging of free radical generation and prevention of disease pathogenesis. Antioxidant compounds in neem help to prevent brain damage and can help to prevent a stroke by enhancing lipid peroxidation and increasing ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in the brain.
