Antioxidants and free radicals are terms that have become “buzz” words in health and wellness circles. All agree that most of the mayor diseases that ruin people’s quality of life can in some way be linked to the activities of unstable, toxic, free radicals and that the best protection against these villains are antioxidants.

Introducing the role players

The human body consists of many different types of cells. These cells are composed of many different types of molecules that are composed of one or more atoms that consist of a nucleus, neutrons, protons and electrons. Our bodies also need oxygen to stay alive and burn food for energy. When our body cells use oxygen they also naturally produce by-products called free radicals.

Thief and scavenger

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells by “stealing” electrons from them. Antioxidants, on the other hand, are able to provide unstable, free radicals with the electrons that they so desperately need; thereby neutralising their negative actions and the damage they may cause to body cells. That’s why free radicals are called electron thieves and antioxidants are often referred to as free radical scavengers.

More about this toxic friendship

However, contrary to popular belief, free radicals are not entirely bad. According to Dr Ben Kim, just as they can damage cells and tissues, they can also act as part of the immune system’s guard against viruses, bacteria and other harmful substances. He adds that free radicals become a significant cause of disease when produced in excessive quantities in our body or in circumstances where we are exposed to large amounts from environmental toxins, unhealthy preservatives and chemicals in the food we eat or when we are also experiencing lots of emotional stress.

Fortunately, antioxidants, by “donating” one of their own electrons, successfully end the electron-stealing reaction of free radicals. Who are these healthy helpers and how do they do it it? They are the substances or nutrients in our foods, especially in fruits and vegetables with bright colours such as oranges, mangos, tomatoes, peppers and most of the berries, and they protect and repair the body cells from damage in various ways.

There are many different antioxidants but some of the most commonly known are vitamins A, C, E and selenium. They are potent antioxidants that help the skin produce collagen and repair damage caused by the sun. They also protect the body against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Some antioxidant enzymes are made by the body itself while others are only found in food sources and herbal supplements.

Bottom line

Most of us are, in one way or another, exposed to free radical attack via environmental pollution, weak immune systems as a result of bad eating habits and stress. We need to seriously consider upping our intake of antioxidants to combat the damage done to our systems. Its best to get the nutrients you need from fresh, healthy food sources. However, herbal supplements may be necessary in some cases. Do speak to your health care supplier about the latter.

 

Sources
Davis, JL.The tasty tomato:an antioxidant power blast. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com on 2012/08/20.
Kim, B. Making sense of free radicals and antioxidants. Retrieved from: http://www.drbenkim.com/articles/free radicals/html. On 2012/08/20.
Kim, B. Which foods contain the most antioxidants? Retrieved from: http://www.drbenkim.com/articles/free radicals/html. On 2012/08/20.
Tsang, G.2011. Antioxidants 101. retrieved from: http://www.healthcastle.com/antioxidant.shtml on 2012/06/08
Understanding free radicals and antioxidants. Retrieved from: http://www.healthchecksystems.com/antioxidant.htm. on 2012/08/20.
Watson, S. Skincare vitamins and antioxidants. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com on 2012/08/20.