The good guys versus the bad guys - How to combat free radical damage

The air we breathe and the foods we consume may have a detrimental effect on our bodies. Oxygen is essential for the survival of human beings but it can also be the cause of great damage. Oxidation creates molecules known as free radicals. Pollution, cigarette smoke and synthetic toxins also contribute to the presence of free radicals in our bodies, as does cellular metabolism and the simple process of digestion. Every day, our bodies are exposed to the effects of these toxic molecules.

So, what is a free radical?

Going back to our basic chemistry text books, we know that molecules contain pairs of electrons in their outer shells. When a molecule has single, unpaired electrons it becomes a free radical. The membranes of our cells contain oils that have oxygen atoms, which are targets for free radicals. The oxygen atoms will be stolen from these oils by the free radicals, and this will bring about a chain reaction that will greatly increase the presence of free radicals in the body. They can result in the destruction of cell membranes, which can increase the body’s vulnerability to many different kinds of diseases. The cellular membrane is a very important part of the human body, because it facilitates communication between different systems within the body.

Free radicals can contribute to the development of about sixty different types of health complaints. While they may lead to milder illnesses such as colds and general infections, it has been suggested that they may also contribute to occurrences of more serious health risks such as heart disease and cancer.

Free radicals may also be responsible for damage to the nerve cells of our brains and may lead to mental health disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In fact, free radicals are said to be linked to most of the chronic degenerative diseases that are known in the world today. Therefore, by controlling the oxidation activities of free radicals, we may be able to reduce the incidence of some of these illnesses.

One of the most effective ways to neutralize free radicals is to consume foods that are rich in antioxidants.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are nutrients which may prevent free radicals from damaging the cells in our bodies. When antioxidants are introduced into the body, they act as oxygen targets for free radicals. With the presence of these new targets, the free radicals are far less likely to steal oxygen atoms from our cell membranes to fulfill their need to oxidize.

Antioxidants are able to give away or accept electrons without doing any harm to our bodies, they can reduce the detrimental effects of free radicals to give us optimum health. They are actually performing essential work that can be life-saving. In addition, antioxidants may be effective in slowing down the premature aging of our cells and bodies.

Where can I find antioxidants?

Vegetables with rich color are especially good to consume. Green leafy vegetables like spinach is the best. Also capsicums, broccoli and tomatoes. Vegetables that are rich in beta carotene like carrots and sweet potatoes are ideal.

There are lots of other fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of antioxidants, these include berries, pink grapefruits, oranges, peaches, apricots, papayas and brussels sprouts, kiwifruit, prunes, watermelons and pomegranates. Aside from vegetables and fruits, antioxidants can also be found in tea, most notably black, green and white tea. Drinking at least a cup every day can be very beneficial for the body. There are also supplements that you can take to boost the level of antioxidants in your body, in particular, look for supplements containing vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium. Check out the links on this page for recipe books and meal ideas to include plenty of antioxidant nutrients in your diet.

Consuming fruits and vegetables as part of your diet regimen holds an assurance that you are contributing to a healthy lifestyle and at the same time, helping to reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals. Give yourself a head start and make healthy changes to your daily diet straight away. Your body will thank you for it in the long run.