What are free radicals?
The
cells in our bodies are exposed to oxygen every day. Every cell in our body needs a constant
supply of oxygen to produce energy. As
oxygen is burned, free radicals are formed; this is called oxidation. These free radicals are unstable and attack healthy
cells to try and become more stable.
This causes damage to our body’s cells, tissues and DNA. Once free radicals are created from
oxidation, they will multiply unless antioxidants are available to neutralize
them. Free radicals that bombard you
body’s cells come from high-fat diets, food additives, processed foods, soft
drinks, infections, air pollution, cigarette some, UV light, radiation, excess
sun exposure, emotional stress, pesticides, etc. Free radicals may play a role in heart
disease, cancer and other diseases.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants
are used by our body’s cells to scavenge for and counteract the negative
effects of free radicals. Once
antioxidants find free radicals in the body, they will neutralize them before the
free radicals can cause damage to our body’s cells. Antioxidants can prevent, slow and repair
damage to our body’s cells. Antioxidants
may lower the risk for infections, cancers and improve immune function. Antioxidants may also reduce risk for chronic
disease such as heart disease.
Health problems
can develop if free-radical production becomes excessive of if antioxidants are
not available. When free radicals damage
genetic material in a cell and it is not totally repaired, the damaged DNA is
duplicated into new cells and this can lead to development of tumors and other
health problems. These health problems
include: cancer, artery & heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration,
diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, gastrointestinal disease and cognitive
impairment and decrease in brain function.
What are sources of antioxidants?
Our
bodies produce some antioxidants naturally.
We can also get antioxidants from our diets by eating a variety of
vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds/nuts.
Coffee and tea also provide antioxidants.
Vitamins
and minerals that are antioxidants include vitamins A, C & E; beta
carotene, selenium, lycopene, lutein, zinc, copper, selenium and manganese.
Phytochemicals,
also called plant chemicals or phytonutrients, also provide antioxidants.
**Stay tuned to learn about which foods are great sources of antioxidants!
