Many people have seen this word flying around for the last few years... I think you'd have to be living in the woods to have missed it completely. It's in our magazines, flyers and leaflets, news broadcasts, commercials, product labels and all over the internet. Most people I've spoken to however seem to have NO idea what Antioxidants are or what they do.
So, What is an Antioxidant?
Some examples of Antioxidants are; Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, E and A.
There are other compounds that act as antioxidants as well; flavinoids, lycopene, lutein and lignan. As well as CoQ10. Check out this article: Antioxidants 101 for a great list.
Why do I need to eat Antioxidants? Clinical studies have shown that Antioxidants can prevent damage to cells by stabilizing 'Free Radical Molecules'.
WTF is a Free Radical?!
A Free Radical (or radical) is an atom which as a result of having unpaired electrons is extremely reactive with other atoms. Sit down in a high school Chemistry class and learn a bit about chemical reactions, basically these free radical atoms will interact with anything near them. Including our DNA....
Where can I find Antioxidants?
They can be found in loads of foods, (see the link above for a neat interactive list).
My personal favourites are cranberries, blueberries and granny smith apples. Mmm tasty!
** sounds like breakfast... **
But you can also find them in all sorts of common vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, nuts, grains and even spices like cloves, cinnamon or oregano.
Why the Hype?
Because Free Radicals interact with cells and DNA they wind up causing genetic mutations - these mutations become apparent in the form of Cancers, Alzheimers, Parkinsons and other health problems. The Antioxidants stabilize these atoms and don't allow their reaction with our genetics - reducing the risk of these illnesses.
So stay healthy! Eat up!
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3 thoughts:
sweet article! the only reason i knew anything about free radicals & antioxidants to begin with is because of a friend (who could almost spit at your apartment building from his...maybe on a windy day) who got troy into justice radio. he goes by dj free radical, but didn't know much about it i don't think. we had to do lots of research to design his justice head. cool beans.
found this cartoon during the research & wanted to show & tell.
http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mba/lowres/mban1484l.jpg
Thanks for explaining exactly what free radicals are. I knew they were not good and I knew about antioxidants, but not the rest of the info. Good stuff. Now if I could just get myself to eat better. I would if I had a personal chef to do the shopping and cooking and cleaning.
I never thought really thought what are the free radicals before and antioxidant. Thanks to your post.Well I think this things like antioxidant antiaging can be found mostly in vegetables that we eat. And it fight free radicals,I just eat healthy foods right now so I can achieve my healthy body.
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