The Harmful Effects Of Free Radicals

Although the causes of aging are not entirely understood, we now know that damage to the body by substances known as free radicals plays a critical role. In fact, doctors and nutritionists say that, without doubt, the most important fight against aging should be against free radical damage. Although free radicals have received much press attention, few of us understand exactly what they are or how they affect the body.

Free Radicals: Oxygen is essential for life, but it can also be considered a poison. This is because when oxygen is used for essential processes inside the body, it leads to the production of damaging molecules known as free radicals. The most damaging characteristics of free radicals is their chemical structure in that they contain an unpaired electron. This means that they roam around the body 'searching' for healthy molecules to pair with. Unfortunately, this pairing process damages the host molecule and irreversibly changes the DNA (material that carries genetic information). If free radicals are allowed to damage body cells in this way over a long period of time, the result is extensive cell damage and aging, as well as diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, cataracts and cancer. A good way to understand free radical damage to the body is to think of it as continuous internal radiation. Yet free radicals are not just created by normal bodily processes; they are also created by oxidation outside the body. For example, combustion processes, radiation from the sun, cigarette smoking and environmental pollution all give rise to free radicals. Also, some foods and drinks (fried food and alcohol, for example) generate more free radicals than others.

The Fight Against Free Radicals:
Although our bodies have evolved their own defences against free radicals, it is essential that we minimize exposure to free radicals where possible. This means giving up cigarette smoking (and avoiding other people's cigarette smoke), not eating burnt food, staying out of direct sunlight, not drinking too much alcohol and minimizing exposure to environmental pollution such as traffic fumes. It is also believed that sleep deprivation can increase free radical damage to the body, so we need to make sure we have sufficient sleep every night.

The Best Weapons - Antioxidants:
By far the best weapons in this war against free radicals are antioxidants, which are found in vitamin A, C and E, in co-enzyme Q10 and betacarotene, as well as in minerals such as selenium and zinc. When free radicals are roaming around the body, antioxidant molecules can pair with them, preventing them from attacking healthy molecules When antioxidants pair with roaming free radicals they can then be eliminated from the body via the excretory systems. This way, no damage is being done to the body. One way to understand the action of antioxidants is to observe what happens when lemon juice is dropped onto the cut surface of an apple. As soon as the apple is cut and exposed to the air it reacts with the oxygen and starts to discolor. Yet if the lemon juice is squeezed onto the cut surface, the antioxidant action of the vitamin C in the juice will prevent the discoloration. However, this protection is only temporary and the cut surfaces will start to oxidize as the antioxidant function wears down. The importance of antioxidants in your diet cannot be over-estimated. It is crucial for everyone, especially older people, to eat foods rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists recommend eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Antioxidants are also available in the form of supplements.

Where To Find Antioxidants:
The main antioxidant nutrients are vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium. Foods containing these vitamins and minerals should be part of your daily diet. In addition to these vitamins and minerals, there are other substances known as phytochemicals, found in plants, that have also antioxidant properties. These include bioflavonoids (found in citrus fruit) and lycopene(found in tomatoes). Some amino acids, such as cysteine and glutamic acid also have antioxidant effects. Cysteine and glutamic acid are found in white meat, tuna, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, onion and garlic.
The following foods are excellent sources of antioxidants and can be eaten in abundance:

Anti Aging Diet