Antioxidants are the main defense mechanisms against cellular aging. These molecules are obtained through external sources such as the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as dietary supplements, which includes the group of exogenous antioxidants. However, there are also endogenous antioxidants, a group of proteins and polypeptides that are synthesized in the cell and that our body produces naturally.
The balance between exogenous and endogenous antioxidants, together with a healthy diet and lifestyle, helps maintain cellular integrity and prevent oxidative stress. Antioxidants act as neutralizing agents of free radicals, molecules generated by metabolic processes or from toxins such as alcohol or tobacco or stress, which damage cells. That is why endogenous antioxidants are essential to improve quality of life and promote longevity.
Endogenous antioxidants are part of our defenses and play a fundamental role in cellular protection. What exogenous antioxidants do is reinforce and perfect this defense through mechanisms that our body is not capable of generating on its own. These molecules have a special importance in preventing the development of diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Some of the most important endogenous antioxidants are catalase, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase.
Aging is the main factor that results in the reduction of the natural production of endogenous antioxidants. With age, these enzymes and molecules lose efficiency. However, other conditions intervene:
Good nutrition is our main tool to prevent oxidative stress. A diet rich in antioxidants improves cellular function, prevents the onset of diseases and promotes longevity. Nutrients (vitamins C and E, resveratrol, polyphenols, etc.) that we can find in a wide variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, spices, cereals, legumes or nuts intervene in the production of endogenous antioxidants.
