Most people have heard about Free Radicals, Oxidative stress, or "Antioxidants". But understanding what they are can be a little confusing, but knowing what they are is very important. Here is a quick guide, shortened and simplified.
Free Radicals- Are unstable and reactive molecules created during processes like Metabolism(Oxidation) or introduced by the environment. Free radicals being unpaired electrons search around and try to bond to other molecules which then causes the damage to our DNA, Cells, Mitochondria, Etc. Our body of course creates antioxidants that defends against free Radicals caused by Oxidation, but if there are less antioxidants than free radicals it is called Oxidative Stress.
What Oxidative Stress Causes:
Cancer
Diseases
Sicknesses
Mutated DNA and DNA Break Down
Basically everything bad that can happen to your body
How to Defend Against Oxidative Stress- The best defense against the threats and dangers of Free Radicals comes in two ways Environmental and Nutritional.
Environmental Protections: Free Radicals are introduced to your body from the environment through ultraviolet light, chemicals, any type of smoking, drugs, pesticides and more. If you want to protect your body from being exposed to an unnecessary and possibly dangerous amount of free radicals then try not to have prolonged exposure to tanning beds, think and check the chemicals you come in contact with on a daily basis whether it be new clothes, tools, detergents for washing, or wood products. Avoid smoking or coming in contact with second hand smoke when possible.
Nutritional Protections: Eating well balanced meals will help add antioxidant effects to your body. The most important aspect when it comes to balancing antioxidants against free radicals is vitamins and minerals which can be achieved by consuming fruits, vegetables, and herbs with your meals.
Main Vitamins that have antioxidant effects: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E or herbs like Rosemary.
Comments