Your body has over 100 trillion living cells in it. Each of these cells are constantly under attack by free radicals and they need protection in the form of antioxidants in order to prevent them from harm and eventual death.
Free Radicals
According to Danielle Perrault in her book "Nutritional Symptomatology," free radicals are a byproduct of your metabolism and they are electrically charged molecules that create havoc on your body. The consumption of a poor diet and exposure to radiation, ultraviolet light, pollution, alcohol, cigarette smoke, toxins and many modern day chemicals such as pesticides, all dramatically increase the formation of free radicals and toxins, says Tish Davidson in The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is the term that is used to define the process whereby free radicals attack your cells, tearing through their protective outer membranes, and damaging the protein, enzymes and DNA contained inside. Perrault says that oxidative stress causes your cells to lose their structure and function, and it eventually disables and kills the cells. Davidson warns that if you do not take steps to counteract the free radicals, chronic diseases will likely result, and Perrault adds that damage to your joints, tissues and organs can all ensue.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that work as free radical scavengers, and thereby help to reduce oxidative stress by preventing the free radicals from damaging your cells, says Davidson. This is important because free radical damage is associated with accelerated aging, and numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer's.
Vitamins and Phytonutrients
Perrault says that most people have far too many free radicals in their body's and are in desperate need of more antioxidants. Some common antioxidants that are essential to your health and must be obtained from your diet are vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene says Davidson. Perrault adds that scientists have recently discovered that there are a number of other important dietary antioxidants, namely plant-derived phytonutrients. Flavonoids are a subset of phytonutrients that are potentially potent antioxidants and they are found in tea, grapes, berries, onions, wine and chocolate.
Important Minerals
Certain minerals found naturally in foods may also act as antioxidants in your body. According to Davidson, selenium may be the most important of the trace minerals for the reduction of free radicals, and it is found in Brazil nuts, tuna, and plants grown in selenium rich soil. Other potentially helpful trace minerals include iron, copper, zinc and manganese.
Recommendations
In order to prevent oxidative damage, Perrault recommends eating a well balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and also taking a high quality antioxidant supplement that contains the above mentioned vitamins and trace minerals. It is however important that you take these supplements under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
References
- "Nutritional Symptomatology;" Danielle Perrault; 2007
- "Antioxidants;" The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets; Tish Davidson; 2008
