Undertanding Antioxidants And Free Radicals

The health and science news is buzzing about antioxidants and just how valuable they are. But what are antioxidants and just what makes them so valuable? Is this just another fade to get consumers to cash in on the latest hype or is this really something to pay attention to? I decided to take on the challenge to discover the true meaning behind the buzz. Was I ever in for a shocker!

I discovered that "Antioxidants" are naturally found in fruits, veggies and some spices. Basically in the food that God made when the earth was formed. Fruits and vegetables were created way back when...way before MacDonalds. That's right, scientists have recently discovered that antioxidants are packed into fruits and veggies and they are very important to include in your daily diet. It seems antioxidants wage a powerful and vengeful warfare against the 'free radicals" in your body, destroying them and consequently releasing a sort of magical healing and the proverbial "fountain of youth".

Bottom line, Antioxidants can prevent damage to your body cells caused by "free radicals" or repair and heal damage that has already been done. Okay? I am from Missouri, the show me state. I wanted to know just how this worked. Here is a little experiment that I know will help you understand. It honestly made helped me see the light. Now here's the big shocker....

...you see, antioxidants work by slowing down or preventing the oxidation process! For example, if you cut 2 two fresh apple slices and place them on a tray. Coat one with fresh lemon juice. The apple slice without the lemon juice will turn brown due to oxidation - or damage from oxygen - much faster than the apple with the protection of the lemon juice, vitamin C. This browning process is caused by substances called free radicals.

This same process takes place in your body. Free radicals are in your body and through this process of oxidation can lead to cell dysfunction and the onset of problems like heart disease and diabetes. However, antioxidants to the rescue. Antioxidant work in your body very much the same way they protect the apple slice.

Your cells break down and die without antioxidants to repair and or protect them. Yikes!

A Free Radical is simply the result of the cell division process... When the cells in your body divide, a split or weak bond free radical is formed. They are formed without an electron and they try to capture a needed electron to gain stability. If one is not readily available they seek one out by attacking and stealing them from neighboring healthy molecules.

When attacked, the good molecule loses its electron and becomes a free radical too, thus beginning a chain reaction. Once this process begins it grows in the complete disruption of a living cell. As the assault continues, the attacked good cells create waste by-products and as you grow older the collection of these waste by products or bad cells increase and takes a dramatic toll on your body. Your body is no longer able to produce energy, maintain immunity, transmit nerve impulses or synthesize hormones as the free radicals begin ravaging your body.

And to make matters worse, free radicals usually begin to multiply when the immune system is under attack. For example, when your body is fighting the on set of the flu, it tries to neutralize the viruses or germs. Also, free radicals increase due to environmental stresses like pollution, cigarette smoke, exposure to chemicals in the home, herbicides, chemicals in food (chemicals to avoid), excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, stress, over-exposure to ultra violet rays and yes even poor nutrition.

Protecting your cells from free radicals is the most critical step you can take for a healthier life. The key is to stop the attack of free radicals by maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants. The goal is to stop the chain reaction that is assaulting your cellular DNA.

The most natural way to fight free radical damage is to enhance the body's antioxidant levels.  Antioxidant energized foods and drinks help make skin glow on the outside and about halts the aging disease causing process by taking out free radicals on the inside. So begin to pay attention to what you put on and in your body.

Antioxidants are nature's safe molecules that magically and safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although, there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Also, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, should be included in this category.

Do not make the mistake of thinking all you need is Vitamin C as the only antioxidant.  Your body needs all the above. Additionally, the body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.

According to News-Medical antioxidants work to protect your cells, may also improve immune function and perhaps lower your risk for infection, cancer and other devastating diseases. They recommend a healthy eating plan containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts. This diet may supply all the antioxidants your body needs. A healthy eating plan will give you a power boost and begin protecting and healing your cells immediately.

Funny thing about antioxidants, your body depletes itself of them naturally every 4 to 6 hours. So, it is important to eat fresh fruits and veggies several times a day. No need to overdose or to take vitamin supplements (That is unless you are unable to maintain this daily diet regimen. Then supplements may be your answer).

Simple Steps To Secure Good Antioxidant Levels

1. Begin today by eating more fresh fruits and veggies

2. Begin to limit your exposure to toxins, food additives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, smoke including second hand smoke, air pollution and stress they all produce free radical attacks.

For more information or my FREE list of the Top 25 Antioxidant/Anti Aging Foods and the Top 10 Antioxidant Supplements visit here.

Health and Wellness Coach 

Shaklee Indy Distributor 

More on Simple Healthy Solutions