The Benefits of Antioxidants

Many people these days take antioxidants to counter the detrimental effect of free radicals. Although there is no conclusive proof that antioxidants keep skin from aging, experts do agree they have the ability to 'capture' free radicals and may protect us from certain diseases.

A free radical is simply a molecule that is missing an electron. As soon as a molecule loses one of its attached electrons, it becomes unstable and seeks to re-stabilize itself by stealing an electron from the nearest molecule. This causes the attacked molecule to then become a free radical, and starts a chain reaction. Ultimately as the process continues this can lead to cell damage.

In light of the role free radicals play in the onset of aging and disease, it is important to ensure our diets include a rich and diverse supply of antioxidants to improve the health of our cells throughout our bodies and to protect our cells from the ravages of oxidation.

The cells of our bodies are now increasingly subject to damage from free radicals due to the high levels of environmental toxins in our diet and the reduced levels of antioxidants in our food to combat free radical damage. Most companies which make skin care related products tout the goodness of antioxidants and natural products that contain antioxidants.

We are exposed to huge amounts of free radicals from pollution, and pesticides. Every time you breathe, you take in millions of free radical molecules created by cigarette smoke, radiation, and automobile emissions. Every time you eat, you consume free radicals in the form of pesticides and preservatives.

An antioxidant is a chemical that reduces the amount of oxidation in your body. They are also the cells that are stored in your muscles to help contain the damage that can occur with oxidation. Oxidative stress is being shown to be at the root of disease and aging.

As we age, free radical levels rise and yet the body falls short in producing necessary amounts of antioxidants to meet this challenge. Today, a great deal of experimental evidence supports the premise that length of life is determined by the crucial balance of antioxidants with free radicals in the body. If you find it difficult to consume an abundance of antioxidants from the recommended food groups, then taking daily supplements should solve the problem.

Staying clear of situations that cause a surge of free radicals to surge is one way of prevention and taking antioxidants as a supplementation is another. There are many situations that will increase free radical activities such as sun burn, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, pollution, exercise workout amongst others.

The production of free radicals is a normal bodily process, and it is part of the process of breathing and living. Free radicals are normally neutralized by the body's natural defense system, rendering them harmless. However, anything that weakens the body's natural defenses weakens its ability to fight off these free radicals. Those weakening agents include environmental pollution, excess UV radiation and even excessive consumption of alcohol.

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