Free Radicals and Antioxidants - Details You Should Know

Heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer, osteoporosis and aging are just some of the many results of free-radical damage in our body. What are free radicals and how do we counteract what they do? No, they are the same numbers that we have learned from our teacher of mathematics at the university. Nor do they refer to people with beliefs that are different from the norm. They're actually much easier to explain and understand.

Unfortunately, without changing lifestyle and proper discipline, are difficult to fight. And this is precisely the reason why the so-called diseases of affluence " have doubled today than ten years ago, despite the fact that we have gone up by leaps and bounds in medical technology.

Free radicals are organic molecules that are byproducts of metabolism. Why not have the same number of electrons and are always looking for an extra electron, are highly unstable. In their search for the one electron more, inevitably try to bond with other molecules of the body, damaging them. Oxidative stress is the technical term used to describe the process in which the cells of the strip-free radicals that damage their protective membrane's external damage to proteins and enzymes. The DNA inside cell is also affected.

Ultimately, the cells weaken, mutate or die cause joint damage organs and tissues. This manifests itself in the forms of aging, cancer and other diseases. An unhealthy diet full of processed foods and preservatives, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoke, radiation and exposure to ultraviolet light and toxins from the environment, all contribute to the formation of free radicals in the body. 

To counteract the damaging effects of these radicals, our body needs antioxidants. These are molecules that prevent further free-radical damage, reducing the effects on oxidative stress. With radical scavenging or hunting, these antioxidants prevent them from wrecking havoc inside the body. Antioxidants, therefore, is a free radical fighter that serve to protect our body from oxidative stress and its effects corresponding, degenerative and sick. 

Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene are the most common antioxidants. Flavonoids are phytonutrients and antioxidants found in fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, green tea, onions, chocolate, nuts and tuna. The wine, which is also derived from grapes, it also has antioxidants. Minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese and selenium are also antioxidants. They can be found in the foods we eat. 

To reduce the content of free radicals in the body, we need to reduce your intake of processed foods and meats that are chockfull of preservatives. In addition, we also need to limit your intake of alcohol as well as exposure to cigarette smoke first-hand or second-hand and radiation. Those who work in the factories of pesticides, and fertilizers must also take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from too much exposure to the toxins in these environments that cause free radicals. 

The consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish should be increased to increase the antioxidant content of our system so that it remains strong enough to fight oxidative stress and allow us to stay healthy and disease free.