Understanding Antioxidants & Free Radicals

By Barbara C Jones

Many of us have the expression "free radicals" but a lot of individuals do not totally appreciate what they are. Free radicals are essentially normal byproducts of our bodily functions and our bodies have need of a precise amount of them. In excessive quantities they are detrimental and can injure our cells and create disease and age related declines.

Free radicals occur all through the process of oxidation in our bodies. Contemplate about how an apple will turn brown if it is cut open and out to air. That is the method of oxidation and it is the same manner that causes free radicals in our bodies.

Our bodies move oxygen through our bloodstream where it is vital for regular cell function. A problem occurs if the oxygen is deficient in the number of electrons it holds. In order to keep the electrons stable, the molecules will take electrons from other molecules which leaves a molecule with an unpaired electron which is in effect what a free radical is. It is a molecule with an unpaired electron.

Different factors generate free radicals. The quality of the oxygen could be poor due to pollution, cigarette smoke and more. Issues inside the body and different bodily functions can also add to poor quality oxygen. Free radicals can also be caused by the diet we eat, exposure to radiation from the sun or from medical x-rays as well as environmental pollution. When the body uses the oxygen for its processes, unpaired electrons or free radicals are released in the process.

Free radicals are changed, unpaired oxygen molecules, which can trigger a great deal of stress and difficulty in the body. Free radicals are a big causative cause to the clogging of arteries, premature aging, the increase of disease and more.

Antioxidants work to neutralize the free radicals. The antioxidant will pair up with the unpaired electron or the free radical and steady it. However, in the course of that more free radicals are produced and you must always persist to replace the antioxidants. In other words, in order for antioxidants to be successful you must fully implement them into your food intake and eat them on a daily basis.

Antioxidants have been demonstrated to be favorable to neutralize the effects of aging, the prevention of disease, and an aid to weight loss, insomnia, infertility and even more. All of nature's healthiest foods have high quantities of antioxidants and it is most constructive to get your antioxidants from eating a wholesome diet.

Free radicals are a customary part of life but we need to regulate them to thwart the problems that they can trigger. Natural occurring antioxidants can do this easily and efficiently and you can find these powerhouse nutrients in a variety of nourishing foods. - 30241

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