subject: The Truth Behind Antioxidants [print this page] The Truth Behind Antioxidants The Truth Behind Antioxidants
Before we get to the discussion about antioxidants it is vital to understand the harm caused by elements known as free radicals. In addition to certain internal reactions sources such as pollution, exposure to x-rays, pesticides and industrial chemicals can lead to the production of free radicals in the body.
The human body is made up of billions of cells which is turn are made of molecules that consist of elements such as iron, water, calcium etc. These molecules are made up of atoms and atoms consist of a nucleus, neutrons, protons and electrons. The electrons that surround an atom create a chemical connection that holds the atom together. Now think of an electron as a restless child and the atom as the mother who is worried about that child. The child is always looking to run away from his/her mother and will do so whenever it gets the chance. When the whereabouts of the child are unknown to the mother she tends to worry and starts looking for the child. Similarly, electrons will break away from the atom whenever there is some kind of imbalance. An atom with a missing electron is a free radical. Unlike the mother with the missing child free radicals are not worried about finding the exact atoms they lost. They just want to find an electron that brings the atom back into balance and the best place to look for these electrons is in other atoms. So, an atom loses an electron and becomes a free radical and this free radical starts to steal electrons from other atoms turning those atoms into free radicals. This chain reaction causes damage to the cell structure eventually leading to their death. Rapid cell death leads to rapid aging. Free radicals have also been linked to diseases like cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
This chain reaction can be stopped with the help of antioxidants. Antioxidants donate their electrons to free radicals and create a balance within them thus stopping the chain reaction and immature aging of the cells. Hence, antioxidants can serve a very useful function when it comes to staying healthy, young and fit. Broccoli, berries, tomatoes, tea, carrots, red grapes, garlic and spinach are among the top 10 sources of antioxidants.
