Neutralizing Bad Free Radicals
Oxidation reactions are necessary for good health, but they can also be detrimental.
Antioxidant and free radicals are perfectly suited to one another in this
instance, as the former can control the damage caused by the latter.
Antioxidant and Free
Radicals Pages
on this SiteOxidative Stress and Disease
While it is unclear whether oxidative stress is the cause or
consequence of disease, it is known to be firmly linked to the presence of free
radicals in the system. Free radicals loose in the body can cause cell damage,
no matter how short a period they are present.
The formation of free radicals
has a snowball effect, causing the production of even more of the damaging
atoms. These free radicals need to be neutralized in order to prevent cell
damage and oxidative stress, which leads to disease.
Oxidative stress is linked to a wide variety of diseases, including
Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
 A low calorie
diet is thought to reduce oxidative stress, and in turn reduce the damage caused
by free radicals that contributes to disease.
Diets high in fruits and
vegetables accomplish this goal best.
The Source of Free Radicals
In order to fully understand the relationship of antioxidant and
free radicals, one must know where the free radicals come from.
Exposure to such
harmful environmental pollutants as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and even the
sun’s radiation can cause free radicals to form in the body.
A diet high in fat
creates the optimal home for free radicals, as they oxidize more quickly in fat
molecules than in protein or carbohydrate molecules.
Free Radicals Aren't All Bad
Antioxidant and free radicals can be both good
and bad. Some free radicals are actually beneficial to the body, and
can perform functions such as destroying viruses and bacteria.
Some
free radicals are even used by the body for energy.
However ---
the
majority of them aren’t good for us, and we need antioxidants to get
rid of them as quickly as possible.
Neutralizing Bad Free Radicals
Antioxidants work to stop free radicals by
binding themselves to the extra electrons of free radicals.
Once
they’ve attached themselves, they prevent oxidation and this causes
the destruction of the atom.
Antioxidants are important for our
health because they neutralize these harmful substances in our
bodies, detoxifying and protecting us.
Food Sources of Antioxidants
The body produces many of its own antioxidants,
but, there is a growing belief that the body might require some
outside help in rounding up all the free radicals loose in the
system, and so -- antioxidants must be obtained from outside
sources.
Fruits and vegetables contain the highest
concentrations, and supplements are used to increase the body's
supply.
Some of the best foods for obtaining an
adequate supply of antioxidants include tomatoes, eggplant, acai
berry, grain sprouts, green tea, dark chocolate and red wine.
Please Note
All the Information within this site is for reference only
with no guarantee of accuracy; it is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Statements about the products efficacy have not been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
It is important to emphasize that you should not
reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the
use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies
for individual disorder should be approved and monitored
by your health care provider.
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