Antioxidants: The Answer to Free Radicals

Health news is increasingly focused on the damage done to the body by free radicals. Free radicals are the villains attributed to a range of diseases including aging, heart disease and cancer. It is thought that limiting free radical damage can offer protection from these diseases.

Antioxidants are compounds that do just that. Antioxidants are nutrients that possess the capacity to chemically react with and neutralize harmful free radicals. They tend to limit the damage done by free radicals. Essentially a free radical is an electron that has become unstable and is no longer part of a paired electron. It runs out of control and bombards other electrons in a chain reaction which can destroy cells and body processes. Free radicals are generated by infection, tobacco smoke, air pollutants, ultraviolet light, radiation, environment toxins, and excessive food processing. Antioxidants block free radicals from damaging other cells. Then, the body’s enzymes can remove the free radical that has bonded with the antioxidant.

These antioxidant nutrients, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Beta Carotene and minerals Zinc and Selenium, among others, are the body’s defense against free radicals.

Foods rich in antioxidants include nuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables, but even a good diet may not be rich in antioxidants, so it is suggested that a good antioxidant supplement be taken daily.