Fighting back against free radicals
Free radicals are a process in the body that more and more people are becoming acquainted with and are trying to understand. The health benefits of overcoming free radicals are barely being exploited and many people believe that understanding how to fight back against them will greatly help people to live healthier lives and to advance science as well.
Free radicals are basically loose electrons that can truly wreak havoc on the body and on the cells. They are created in the body by a process that is called oxidation. All cells will eventually be broken down and changed into other molecules that can later be used or degrade, or oxidize, and lose electrons that can then roam free in the body. Oxidation is a naturally occurring process that is necessary and is found in all living organisms in the natural world. It takes place when cells use oxygen for fuel and the byproduct of the process are called free radicals. When oxygen is burned, electrons are separated and some are even left isolated and by themselves. They then look for another electron they can link up with and then find one and can become stable again. They cannot be completely eliminated and are a natural part of living. The cells in the body have the ability to control and suppress most free radicals, but some can still wander loose around the body. If excessive free radicals build up, they can no longer be absorbed by the cells and linked to other electrons and can cause a lot of damage. Many people believe that this process is one of the main reasons we age. But there are some enzymes in the cells that can prevent the free radicals from flying around and can repair damage when it occurs because of free radicals. It is said that free radicals can influence physical and mental aging and can also be responsible for causing caner, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic or degenerative diseases.
It is believed that the production of many free radicals that we encounter today may be caused by pollution, radiation and x-rays, smoke and other toxic chemicals, pesticides and other problems that cause excessive stress. But cells can build their defense against these free radicals by combining enzymes with other minerals like zinc, copper, selenium and manganese. Antioxidants are another agent that can effectively help reduce and eliminate the presence of free radicals in the body. Antioxidants work against the power of free radicals by oxidizing themselves and in the process absorbing the free radicals that are let off by oxidation of other cells and molecules in the body.
Antioxidants come in many different forms and can be found in a variety of foods. Most can be obtained through the diet. Some foods that are known to be good sources of antioxidants are citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, whole wheat, oatmeal, soybean oil, corn oils, nuts, dairy products, seafood, meat, and seeds. These are just a few of the good sources of antioxidants that are important in fighting free radicals. Some of the most common antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Beta Carotene. Not all antioxidants have the same function but the process is basically the same. Different combinations of antioxidants provide protection from different types of free radicals and can help protect the body in different ways. Many people believe that antioxidants will eventually lead to a cure to cancer and many of the other diseases and infections that cause people so many problems throughout their lives. Only time will tell what marvels will come from antioxidants in the fight against free radicals.
Tags: antioxidant, body, cells, chronic, disease, fight, free radicals, health, oxidation, supplement, vitamins