(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Antioxidants fight off oxidative damage to our
body and build up our immune system to keep us healthy, but some researchers
say these benefits aren't reason enough to supplement daily. New studies
show antioxidants may not be as healthy as we believe.
As our bodies create oxygen, reactive oxygen species (ROS) -- or free
radicals -- are said to damage our internal organs, increasing risks for
diseases including insulin resistance and diabetes. Researchers at Monash
University in Australia say in a recent study that this may not be accurate.
The researchers believe antioxidant’s effects may actually increase the risk
for diabetes.
The study found low levels of ROS, specifically hydrogen peroxide, may
actually improve your ability to respond to insulin signals. Promotion of
insulin response decreases the risk for diabetes. Antioxidants work to
prevent such processes.
Lab mice with a deficiency that kept physiological ROS high in their systems
didn't become insulin resistant when fed a high-fat diet. When the mice were
given antioxidants, they developed signs of diabetes.
Tony Tiganis of Monash University was quoted as saying, “In a way, we think
there is a delicate balance and that too much of a good thing -- surprise,
surprise -- might be bad.”
Tiganis recommends healthy people do not take daily antioxidant vitamins,
but exercise to naturally promote insulin action.
SOURCE: Cell Membrane, October 7, 2009
