Free radicals form when oxygen mixes with other molecules. These interactions result in the oxygen losing an electron; it then becomes what scientists term a free radical. Free radicals then roam around looking for that lost electron, often yanking it from perfectly healthy molecules. Within our bodies, these exchanges may have powerful effects that can lead to particularly unsavory health conditions, not to mention, they promote aging. The following article discusses free radicals, health, and ways to limit the negative impact free radicals have on our bodies.

To envision the process of oxidation and the creation of free radicals, it helps to envision a banana that has been sliced. In no time, the banana becomes brown—this is damage from free radicals. Of course, it helps to keep in mind that the very act of breathing results in the inevitable creation of free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in our bodies and do our not outside invaders such as bacteria or viruses. However, they can do damage and have been known to contribute to such illnesses as some cancers, hardening of the arteries, and some degenerative eye diseases. Smoking can also lead to excessive production of free radicals.

Before you try to limit your breathing, it helps to remember that, ideally, every bodily cell transforms oxygen into water—a good thing. About one percent of the oxygen, however, leaks off from this process resulting in free radical formation. The good news is there is something we can do to curtail these pesky roamers that deliberately try to create havoc in our systems. The trick is to eat a diet rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural free radical busters. But they do more than fight the arch villains; they transform them back into healthy molecules.

Antioxidants act as shields to the body’s healthy molecules. When free radicals come along, the antioxidants pass them an electron—and all the cells wind up happy, to put it simply. Because antioxidants have the ability to stabilize free radicals, we should readily include them in our diets. Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, green and sweet red peppers, broccoli, spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables are high in antioxidants. Eliminating a dangerous habit like smoking will also halt excessive production of a harmful free radical population.

Jason Ladock

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