The Value of AntioxidantsHow do antioxidants promote better health?
They control
affect of free radical damage. Free radicals are produced in your body as a result of oxidation. Oxidation is a naturally occurring process that takes place when cells use oxygen for fuel.
The byproduct of burning of oxygen is free radicals. In oxygen burning process electrons are separated, and some electrons are left isolated. They then begin to fly around looking for another electron to join with. When they find one, they join with it and become stable again. But electron they joined with may have left another electron behind, isolated and then itself becoming a free radical. It is a chain reaction. They can not be eliminated.
The cells have ability to control some free radicals within themselves. There are enzymes present in cells that can prevent free radicals from flying around, and enzymes can repair damage that may have been caused. But when there are excessive free radicals, more than cells can handle, free radicals escape into body, and continue to fly around, causing more damage.
Free radical damage can influence physical and mental aging. It can be responsible for developing cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and other degenerative processes.
Some causes of free radical production from our environment today would include air pollution, radiation and X-ray, cigarette smoke, pesticides and other toxic chemicals, emotional stress, and intense exercise.
Cells build their defense against free radicals by combining enzymes with minerals including manganese, zinc, copper and selenium. This combination places itself between flying electron and its intended target, rendering flying electron harmless. If cells don't have enough minerals for enzymes to combine with, they are unable to adequately protect from free radical activity.
Many antioxidants can be accessed through diet. Some sources would be citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, and fortified cereals provide Vitamin C. Green leafy vegetables, whole wheat, oatmeal, soybean oil, corn oil, nuts, and eggs provide Vitamin E. Dark green, yellow, and red vegetables, dairy products and eggs, and yellow fruits provide Beta Carotene. Seafood, liver, cereals and grains provide Selenium. Meat, liver, eggs, seafood, and pumpkin seeds provide Zinc.
