Free radicals are unstable oxygen atoms. As you will know, from your high school days, an atom has a nucleus comprised of protons and neutrons, around which electrons travel. Everything is OK so long as the electrons are in pairs, but problems come about when an electron is not paired, as with free radicals. Then the free radicals take electrons from normal, or stable body cells and set up a process called oxidation.



Antioxidants are known to slow down oxidation in the body induced by free radicals, or to put it more succinctly, antioxidants shield you from free radical damage. Make no mistake about it that antioxidants guard you from many of the most serious diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, strokes, and many other conditions. Some people actually suggest that an ample supply of antioxidants in their diets may slowdown the process of getting old!

You might fairly ask where the dreadful free radicals come from, but the truth is that they may not be as terrible as you think. Free radicals may also assist our bodies to fight germs, so it is a surplus of free radicals that causes health disorders, and not a balanced amount.

Fruit and Vegetables Can Protect You

It is good to know that antioxidants are readily available to maintain the balance, and deal with any excess of free radicals. It 's as simple as ABC. Just think of Apricots, Bananas, and Cabbage, because plenty of antioxidants are contained within the 5 - 9 fruit and vegetables, that you are constantly being asked to include in your diet.

Think of 5 fruits and vegetables as a minimum, because apart from anything else, you should get better antioxidant protection against free radicals from 6 - 9 portions than just 5! Just as most fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, there are other foods that should be avoided.

It's Not Just Cars That Get Rusty!

It's frightening, to imagine that anyone should have to be constantly told how to stay in peak condition? Although the majority of people are willing to do almost anything to protect their cars from oxidation, or rust, they appear to be less willing to protect themselves, from free radical attack. Undoubtedly the car will quickly decline if rusting is allowed to take hold, but we too will become "rusty" if free radicals are not held at bay. It's good to take care of your car, but make your foremost priority caring for yourself. A good place to begin is with the 5 - 9 fruit and vegetables per day, to benefit from the antioxidants they contain.

Bad Fat - Good Fat!

A high fat diet can considerably add to free radical production, and it is widely agreed that saturated fat causes free radical damage. However, the situation is complicated as not all fats are crammed with free radicals. A sensible way to begin could be to try to shun saturated fats, that include animal meat, and fried foods of any description. There are different fats, including fish oils, which current studies indicate are actually helpful, but trans fats, commonly used in shop bought cakes biscuits and the like, are banned in some countries.

Environmental Factors

Regrettably, the hazard of free radicals is not solely from our diets, but also from environmental contaminants, including exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, and suchlike. It is impossible to steer clear of them altogether, although a sure way to guard yourself, is by a practical awareness of antioxidants. There are healthy fruits and vegetables, in abundant supplies, to assist your cause, but you have to be certain that you are getting sufficient, by thinking in terms of the top of the recommended consumption, of 9 helpings per day.

Vitamins and Supplements

Antioxidant rich food is essential to your good health, but if you want further safeguards you could consider extra vitamins. You would usually get all your Vitamin C from your fruit and vegetable consumption, but it's good to include Vitamin E too. Good sources of Vitamin E are almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and some vegetables. Of course the vitamins are very good if they are part of the your diet. Supplements are available, in different forms, but it is wise to discuss such requirements with a qualified advisor.

You will appreciate from this brief article, that antioxidants will assist you to remain healthy, by reducing the effect of free radicals. All you need is the common sense to make sure there are sufficient antioxidants included in your diet. If you do not give proper attention to your eating habits, you must accept the consequences. On the other hand, you are now aware, that if free radicals are controlled, the chance of becoming seriously ill is significantly reduced.

Disclaimer

This article is only for advisory purposes and is not intended to serve as a medical source of information. Please exercise your own judgement with regard to whether antioxidant foods and preparations are suitable for you. Those who are uncertain about taking a particular food or preparation, be they antioxidant or otherwise, should obtain the advice of their doctor, or other qualified professional person.

The author cannot accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article.