Health and Fitness Hints

Antioxidants are substances and/or nutrients that can prevent or correct cellular damage from oxidative processes collectively called free radicals. In chemistry free radicals are atoms that have unpaired electrons on an open shell configuration and are capable of independent existence.

Basically, free radicals are unstable molecules that steal electrons from neighboring molecules to stabilize themselves.

There are many types of free radicals in the body but when talking nutrition oxygen free radicals take the center stage. Radicals that involve oxygen are also referred as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Their unpaired electrons are usually highly reactive and likely to take part in chemical reactions inside the body. They are a real source of disease, aging and even death.

Within our bodies radical formation results from normal metabolic processes, stress, exercise and external factors that contribute to radical formation such as air and water pollution, UV light, additives and other chemicals. The result of prolonged free radical damage leads to loss of energy, pain, disease, aging and finally death.

What can we do then to avoid free radicals and their dangerous effects on our body? There are too many generators of free radicals that we have little control over them including sunlight, stress, pollution, radon, natural atmospheric and man mad fumes and vapors, food chemicals and pesticides. Free radicals are produced or enter in our bodies silently and inconspicuously. What would be the best approach to minimize their injurious effect on our health? Substances known as antioxidants such as vitamins and minerals possess properties that counteract the effects of free radicals

Antioxidants are chemical substances or nutrients that are capable of reducing free radical damage to cells. Research suggests that consuming foods rich in antioxidant nutrients may reduce and even reverse certain diseases related to cellular damage and slow down natural aging. Recent evidence suggests that various kinds of antioxidants in foods and dietary supplements with antioxidant properties can improve health and extend life.

Antioxidants are generally found in foods including our fruit, vegetables, red wine or in the form of supplements. Some studies have suggested several benefits derived from supplemental antioxidants. However, some clinical trials have failed to clearly demonstrate a benefit for the formulations tested and, like everything else excessive in life supplementation with antioxidants may carry some risks. Official recommendations for antioxidants are not available to date.

Most health care providers recommend plenty of fruit and vegetables of all kinds to enjoy the benefits of antioxidants present in them. However, more and more studies shown that many antioxidants in the form of supplements can be as effective fighting free radicals as those in our food. Use only reputable companies to buy your antioxidants.

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