Antioxidant and Free Radicals - Neutralizing Bad Free Radicals

Home >> Antioxidant and 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.

Free radicals, when found in the system abundantly, can cause oxidative stress – which, in turn damages or kills cells.

This damage can even be irreversible, particularly when done to the nerves, heart muscles, and immune system.

Oxidative 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. See disclaimer for more!