Taking anti-oxidants to reduce free radicals has always been considered a good practice but German scientists now say that the free radicals may have some positive effect on the body and even buffer against diabetes. It is believed that the free radicals cause oxidative stress in the body which can damage the tissues. Consuming antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help reduce the oxidative stress which can damage the cells of the body.

This is the first study that shows that free radicals are actually helpful in making the body more sensitive to insulin which if lost can lead to type 2 diabetes. This effect is said to be stopped by taking antioxidant vitamins. This study doesn’t say that one should stop taking anti- oxidants like vitamins but shows the effect of antioxidants in one aspect. And that one should consider a lot of things before popping in supplements.

They studied men who took antioxidants and the men who didn’t. They were made to undergo four weeks of intensive exercise training. The insulin sensitivity was found only in those men who didn’t take the vitamin antioxidant supplements. Dr. Sarah Aldred, a lecturer in exercise biochemistry said, “It doesn’t mean that antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E are bad for us, it just means that sometimes we need to consider whether taking supplements is actually beneficial.” 

According to another expert, having antioxidant does protect the cells of the body against damage but having these supplements in excess on a regular basis can have a negative affect. A varied normal diet is always the safer choice and provides one with sufficient nutrients to get rid of the damage causing oxidative stress and the risk of over consumption, which is harmful, is reduced.

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