We've all heard of free radicals, but what exactly are they? Have you seen the old faded red truck out there in the farmer's field? That fading process is oxidation. In our bodies, free radicals are unstable molecules that can oxidize DNA, which can cause damage to cells. Our bodies naturally make free radicals when we convert food to energy. In the environment, we are exposed to free radicals in air pollution, contaminated water and soil, chemical exposures, etc. Scientists believe that free radicals are factors that can cause diseases like cancer, arthritis, heart disease and the aging process.
Antioxidants work together against oxidation to protect us from damage caused by free radicals. They are a group of compounds that are both produced naturally in our body and occur in many foods.
Although there are hundreds of antioxidants, there are a "top 5" that appear to work together. They can renew and enhance one another, and as a result they can slow down the aging process and boost our ability to fight disease. These are Vitamins C & E, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
So, if you could boost your body's ability to fight the oxidation damage caused by too many free radicals, would you?
While your here on Best Wellness Nook, shop the supplement section and check out with antioxidants that have been scientifically proven to help your body ward off damage at the cellular level.
References:
Smythies, J.R., (1998) Every person's guide to antioxidants.
Packer, PhD. L. et al, (1999) The antioxidant miracle.
