What are free radicals in the body? If you are like many people, you have probably asked the questions several times. Generally, they are defined as very reactive molecules that come as a b- product in the body. They come about after metabolism (oxidation), and when they are exposed to harmful toxins such as tobacco or ultraviolet light in the environment.
Lone radicals, for the most part, are unpaired. This explains the reason why they are always roaming up and about looking for other lone electrons in which they can pair and stabilize. The process of searching for other lone electrons is what leads to so many health complications in the body. The process can bring about premature aging, tissue damage, and so many other health complications.
They are indeed "free" since they float around till they stabilize, and are "radicals" because there are so many molecules from which they can derive and pair with an electron. Note that once the reactive process of pairing with other electrons starts, it becomes a snowball effect that wreaks havoc on otherwise healthy tissues. This is because the new molecule that pairs with it, also misses an electron in the process, hence acquires the new title of a free radical, and the chain continues.
Some of the diseases linked to these include cancer, heart disease, glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mucular degeneration often associated with aging.
In the process of attaining their stability by bonding with other molecules in the system, the molecules end up destroying their good health status, thus worsening the already damaged process. It is because of this that there is a very close connection between antioxidants and these radicals.
Antioxidants such as lipoic acid, lycopene, selenium, resveratrol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene have proven very effective in reducing the damage of these radicals. Thanks to their ability to restrain the formation of the bad molecules in the first place. The other good news is that these antioxidants are readily available in most foods that many people use today. By taking a good supply of antioxidant rich foods, you can be able to neutralize the lone molecules, thus ensure your body is safe from oxidative stress.
While these antioxidants are readily available in the market in supplement form, it is worth mentioning that they can also be derived from a number of natural remedies and foods. These foods include goji berries, cocoa, black tea, chokeberry, acai, oolong tea, medicinal mushrooms, white tea, wheatgrass, and tart cherries to mention but a few. Most vegetables and fruits are also believed to be potent sources of antioxidants, and so are proteins and grains.
With that being said, it is important to ensure you have a free radical scavenger in your diet all the time. This can be an enzyme, a vitamin, or even a simple mineral that will destroy the lone and unstable molecules. This scavenger basically hunts down all lone molecules and destroys them. This way, they will not end up causing any harmful damage to healthy cells. What are free radicals in the body and what are the best scavengers can best be understood once you clearly understand what antioxidants are.
Lone radicals, for the most part, are unpaired. This explains the reason why they are always roaming up and about looking for other lone electrons in which they can pair and stabilize. The process of searching for other lone electrons is what leads to so many health complications in the body. The process can bring about premature aging, tissue damage, and so many other health complications.
They are indeed "free" since they float around till they stabilize, and are "radicals" because there are so many molecules from which they can derive and pair with an electron. Note that once the reactive process of pairing with other electrons starts, it becomes a snowball effect that wreaks havoc on otherwise healthy tissues. This is because the new molecule that pairs with it, also misses an electron in the process, hence acquires the new title of a free radical, and the chain continues.
Some of the diseases linked to these include cancer, heart disease, glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mucular degeneration often associated with aging.
In the process of attaining their stability by bonding with other molecules in the system, the molecules end up destroying their good health status, thus worsening the already damaged process. It is because of this that there is a very close connection between antioxidants and these radicals.
Antioxidants such as lipoic acid, lycopene, selenium, resveratrol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene have proven very effective in reducing the damage of these radicals. Thanks to their ability to restrain the formation of the bad molecules in the first place. The other good news is that these antioxidants are readily available in most foods that many people use today. By taking a good supply of antioxidant rich foods, you can be able to neutralize the lone molecules, thus ensure your body is safe from oxidative stress.
While these antioxidants are readily available in the market in supplement form, it is worth mentioning that they can also be derived from a number of natural remedies and foods. These foods include goji berries, cocoa, black tea, chokeberry, acai, oolong tea, medicinal mushrooms, white tea, wheatgrass, and tart cherries to mention but a few. Most vegetables and fruits are also believed to be potent sources of antioxidants, and so are proteins and grains.
With that being said, it is important to ensure you have a free radical scavenger in your diet all the time. This can be an enzyme, a vitamin, or even a simple mineral that will destroy the lone and unstable molecules. This scavenger basically hunts down all lone molecules and destroys them. This way, they will not end up causing any harmful damage to healthy cells. What are free radicals in the body and what are the best scavengers can best be understood once you clearly understand what antioxidants are.
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