Antioxidants and Free Radicals
Though we don’t always think about it, the human body is teeming with life. Every cell that makes up the human body is alive, and just like any living organism, has to face the threats that exist within their habitat. Free radicals present a serious danger to the cells existing in the ecosystem of the human body by helping to cause diseases like cancer. Antioxidants help to prevent the negative effects of free radicals by neutralizing and/or reducing the negative effects they have upon the body. Thyme tea’s abundance of antioxidants makes it a great supplement that invigorates the body and helps stave off carcinogenic activity.
What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals form in the body when certain cells lose or gain an electron. At normal levels, free radicals are necessary to complete many cellular functions. However, when accumulated in too high concentrations, free radicals can have adverse effects upon other cellular activity. Harmful activity to the body such as smoking and overexposure to sunlight can cause an increased production of free radicals.
What Are Antioxidants?
On the opposite side of the free radical coin are antioxidants, chemicals used by the body to contribute to the degradation and neutralization of free radicals. Antioxidants come in two varieties, endogenous (from within the body), and exogenous (from outside of the body). While the body does produce endogenous antioxidants, it relies upon extra help from our diets to acquire the extra exogenous antioxidants and better neutralize free radicals. Vitamins A, C, and E are examples of more commonly known antioxidants, while minerals like selenium are also examples of exogenous antioxidants. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains more commonly provide dietary antioxidants, while dietary supplements can also contain them.
Thyme Tea and Antioxidants
Thyme tea provides the body with a great source of exogenous antioxidants, as it contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the mineral selenium. Drinking thyme tea can provide a great supplement that helps to balance out the body while also providing a boost to the immune system. While useful in the possible reduction of cancerous cells, all people should consult with a doctor before regularly drinking thyme tea.