Free Radicals-What Are They?                  

Antioxidants-How Can They Help?

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons. They are unstable and as they try to balance the electron by stealing from other atoms they careen through the body causing damage to the cell structure. Antioxidants can neutralize the damage since they can give up an electron without becoming unstable themselves thus reducing the number of free radicals.

What causes free radicals to be formed?

A process called oxidation creates free radicals and this process happens in the context of normal metabolic processes and our everyday exposure to our environment. In other words, eating, breathing, and going out in the sun all contribute to the process of free radical formation.

Some free radicals arise normally and sometimes the immune system cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can create free radicals.

The body can handle some free radicals, but when they become excessive, damage can occur.

Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes that can damage cell components causing the cells to function poorly or even die.

Because free radicals are implicated in all these processes, minimizing and neutralizing their activity with antioxidants may allow us to live longer and healthier lives, look and feel better, and reduce or eliminate the risk of certain illnesses.

Free radicals are thought to be responsible for cell damage that can lead to heart and artery disease, cancer, signs of aging, and a variety of other ailments.

And finally, free radical damage accumulates with age. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.

Antioxidants To The Rescue

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and stop the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. The principle source of antioxidants is fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and selenium, a trace metal that is required for the proper function of the body’s antioxidant enzyme systems. The body cannot make these micro-nutrients so they must be supplied by the diet.
 

Antioxidants and Disease Prevention

Antioxidants are thought to have a role in slowing the aging process and preventing heart disease and strokes. Scientific investigation continues to determine if they also have a role in lower cancer rates found in people whose diets are rich in fruits and vegetables.

As we age, our bodies produce fewer antioxidants. This may increase the risk of developing serious health problems. While we all know that we should eat 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, the reality is that we don’t often do so. Therefore, supplements that contain a broad spectrum whole food blend of the above nutrients may be helpful.