Strong Antioxidant Properties May Reduce Disease Risk

Manganese is a component of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is undoubtedly one of your body's most significant antioxidants. Antioxidants help guard against free radicals, which are chemicals that can harm your body's cells. Free radicals are thought to play a role in aging, heart disease, and certain malignancies. SOD particularly aids in the fight against free radicals by reducing superoxide, one of the most damaging free radicals, into smaller molecules that will not harm your cells.

Researchers determined in one study of 42 men that low levels of SOD and poor overall antioxidant status may have a bigger influence on heart disease risk than total cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Another study found that SOD activity was lower in those with rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who did not have the illness. As a result, researchers recommended that consuming antioxidant foods may minimize free radical formation and increase antioxidant status in patients suffering from the condition. Consuming manganese may help minimize illness risk since it is involved in SOD activity.