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.
It is worth noting that they often come as an unpaired electron, and for them to be stable, they have to constantly search for another lone electron in which they will bound. Another thing worth noting is they are often responsible for a myriad of processes and complications in the human system, top among them tissue damage, aging, and a couple of diseases linked to these radicals.
The best explanation of these molecules is that they are termed as "free" because they are always in search of other molecules to make them stable. They are further termed as "radicals" because they are available in millions and can find a pair to stabilize with from so many other molecules. It is worth mentioning that the stabilization process can wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy system. This is because it starts a snowball effect once the lone molecule finds a pair, the donating molecule assumes the new title of "free radical", and the chain continues.
As previously mentioned, these molecules have been linked to a myriad of health complications including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, age-related mucular degeneration, Parkison's disease, and glaucoma to mention but a few.
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.
They are also available as supplements, but most people will always recommend the use of natural remedies and food sources. Some of the well known foods include black tea, cocoa, goji berries, acai, choke berry, oolong tea, white tea, medicinal mushrooms, tart cherries and wheatgrass to mention but a few. Further ensuring there is a good supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, enough proteins, and sufficient amounts of grain in your diet can also help.
The need to have a free radical scavenger can never be overemphasized enough. This can be a mineral, vitamin, or enzyme that has the ability to destroy the roaming and unstable molecules. The main role of the scavenger in the body is to hunt down all unstable molecules and work to destroy it early enough so they do not cause significant damage to cells. Once you understand what are free radicals in the body, you will be in the best position to search for these scavengers (read antioxidants).
It is worth noting that they often come as an unpaired electron, and for them to be stable, they have to constantly search for another lone electron in which they will bound. Another thing worth noting is they are often responsible for a myriad of processes and complications in the human system, top among them tissue damage, aging, and a couple of diseases linked to these radicals.
The best explanation of these molecules is that they are termed as "free" because they are always in search of other molecules to make them stable. They are further termed as "radicals" because they are available in millions and can find a pair to stabilize with from so many other molecules. It is worth mentioning that the stabilization process can wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy system. This is because it starts a snowball effect once the lone molecule finds a pair, the donating molecule assumes the new title of "free radical", and the chain continues.
As previously mentioned, these molecules have been linked to a myriad of health complications including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, age-related mucular degeneration, Parkison's disease, and glaucoma to mention but a few.
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.
They are also available as supplements, but most people will always recommend the use of natural remedies and food sources. Some of the well known foods include black tea, cocoa, goji berries, acai, choke berry, oolong tea, white tea, medicinal mushrooms, tart cherries and wheatgrass to mention but a few. Further ensuring there is a good supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, enough proteins, and sufficient amounts of grain in your diet can also help.
The need to have a free radical scavenger can never be overemphasized enough. This can be a mineral, vitamin, or enzyme that has the ability to destroy the roaming and unstable molecules. The main role of the scavenger in the body is to hunt down all unstable molecules and work to destroy it early enough so they do not cause significant damage to cells. Once you understand what are free radicals in the body, you will be in the best position to search for these scavengers (read antioxidants).
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