Understanding Free Radicals
Free radicals are created when the interaction of certain molecules with oxygen in a process known as oxidation are disrupted. They are unstable atoms that damage other cells by stealing their electron to make themselves stable. The damaged cells may then turn into free radicals as well, leading to a chain of destructive chemical reactions. Think of a cut apple’s surface turning brown. The damaging chain of reactions that free radicals cause is much like that.
However, free radicals do occur naturally since they are part of the body’s defense mechanism. If the body detects a virus or bacteria, it creates free radicals to destroy them. The body then generates antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals once the foreign substances have been destroyed.
The production of free radicals can get out of hand though, due to a variety of reasons. Pollution, smoke, processed food, stress, and even harmful UV rays from the sun can all cause over-production of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. This is where the importance of antioxidants comes in.
Antioxidants vs. Free Radicals
Antioxidants work by stopping the damaging chain of reactions caused by free radicals by countering the effects of oxidisation, hence its name, ‘anti’-oxidant. They safely interact and neutralize free radicals before further damage to the cells is done. Antioxidants successfully do this by donating the missing electron of free radicals thereby stabilizing them without becoming free radicals themselves.
The problem now is that because of the external factors that cause free radical production, the body cannot produce as much antioxidant to cope with the free radicals. This imbalance wherein there are more free radicals than the antioxidants in the body can accommodate is called oxidative stress. Cell damage, or even cell death, occurs during this state of oxidative stress. Prolonged oxidative stress can promote the aging process and can lead to disease or even cancer. Thus, the lack in antioxidants must instead be taken in through your diet.
Antioxidants
There are various sources and types of antioxidants but the main dietary antioxidants include:
• Vitamin C.
A water-soluble antioxidant which can be found in citrus fruits. It helps return vitamin E to its active form.
• Vitamin E.
A fat-soluble antioxidant which is the primary defender against oxidation. It is best taken with vitamin C.
• Flavonoids.
There are many other substances that can act as antioxidants. By consuming the right amount of fruits and vegetables each day, you can already have sufficient antioxidants to fight the damage-causing free radicals in your body.
If Free Radicals Were Left Alone
Had the body been unable to produce antioxidants on its own, free radicals can quickly take over and destroy every cell in your body.
Heart disease is one possible effect of prolonged oxidative stress. Vitamin E, being a fat-soluble antioxidant, is great for counteracting LDL (“bad” cholesterol) oxidation. It prevents the build-up of plaque in the arteries and regulates your blood pressure level thereby preventing any cardiovascular disease.
Oxidative stress may also lead to arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and different types of cancer.
Free radicals can also speed up the aging process which is most visible through your skin. Fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots can appear as early as when you’re in your 20s due to the free radicals formed when exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is why topical application of Vitamin E became known. Vitamin E can counteract the damage that the UV rays caused but it cannot act as a sunscreen itself.
Thus, it would be better to incorporate vitamin E into your diet as soon as possible to bring free radicals under control.
source :http://www.ideadigezt.com
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