Harmful Free Radicals and Antioxidants

A feature article by New Vitality Editorial Team, Apr 19, 2008         

Summary: This informative article explains free radicals in brief, how they are damaging to the human body, and how antioxidants found in certain foods as well as vitamin supplements can help neutralize the free radicals, as also to assist the body in keeping the cardiovascular, circulatory, neurological, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems in optimum condition.

 
This informative article explains free radicals in brief, how they are damaging to the human body, and how antioxidants found in certain foods as well as vitamin supplements can help neutralize the free radicals, as also to assist the body in keeping the cardiovascular, circulatory, neurological, musculoskeletal and reproductive systems in optimum condition.

What are free radicals?
Without becoming too technical, there are numerous studies that point to oxygen free radicals as a causative factor in an ever-expanding range of degenerative health issues such as heart disease, cancer, allergies, macular degeneration, arthritis and even premature aging.
However, free radicals do play an important health role. Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive due to stress, excessive alcohol, unhealthy foods, and cigarette smoke, that’s when damage can occur. Free radicals are also introduced into the body through external sources such as exposure to the sun or pollution.

Symptoms of Excessive Free Radicals in the Human Body
The free radicals damage the biological structures through the natural oxidation process. Free radicals may give rise to various degenerative diseases. Few of the symptoms are joint stiffness, coupled with pain on motion of the affected joint. At times they are also responsible for heart disease, cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease, and accelerate general ageing, including that of the skin. Importantly, antioxidant deficiency can go unnoticed in the human body.

What are antioxidants and how can they help in countering excess free radicals?

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Antioxidants are molecules that slow down or prevent the oxidation of the other molecules- the start of the free radicals formation process. Antioxidants, present in many foods and nutritional supplements may act to protect cells in the body and fight oxidation caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants (or anti-oxidation agents), reduce the effect of dangerous free radicals by binding together with these harmful molecules, decreasing their destructive power. Antioxidants may possibly assist in repairing damage already sustained by cells. Certain antioxidant enzymes are produced within the body. Antioxidants are also known to support the immune system.

How can you increase antioxidants in your body?
Doctors recommend consuming bright-colored fruits and vegetables to increase antioxidants in your body. Vitamin A, C, and E are most beneficial, and found in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, collards, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots, citrus fruits, watermelon, nuts, grains, vegetable/liver oil, green leafy vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, red meat, garlic, amongst a host of fruits, vegetables and juices. As you can see, you have plenty of diet options to increase antioxidants in your body.
Choosing raw fruits and vegetables rather than cooked, provides the highest concentration and best absorption of antioxidants.
Dietary supplements are also available for those that do not consume enough antioxidant-producing foods. Few good vitamin supplements available widely in the market are:

• Green Tea Plus: The green tea helps build energy, facilitates a healthy heart, as well as support the immune system.
• Ruby Red: With red fruits, antioxidants, probiotics as its key ingredients, Ruby Red can help increase energy levels, as well as support digestive and immune systems.
• Royal Greens Ultra: Having green vegetables, spirulina, and more, Royal Greens Ultra can help build stamina, as also aid the improvement of the digestive and immune systems.

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