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Antioxidants and Free Radicals

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Administrator is an expert health advisor, writes on health and fitness, nutrition and diet.
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By  Administrator Admin    

Atom is the smallest building material of a substance. An atom consists of electrons, protons and neutrons. Gaining an electron and losing an electron will make the atom to become an ion. Some of the atoms will be stable and some will be instable in this ionic state. What are Anti-Oxidants?
Free radicals are unstable ions. Due to their instability, they will react with other cells present in the body to attain stability. This process is called peroxidation. In this process several cells are killed. To prevent the death of cells, antioxidants are required. Antioxidants react with free radicals to prevent their reaction with other cells.

How free radicals and Anti-oxidants are related to each other?
Free radicals Free radicals are already present in the body. There are some activities which will lead to increase the amount of free radicals.



  • Inhaling cigarette smoke will induce the free radicals. Either smoking or inhaling the smoke released by some others will increase the free radicals.



  • Inhaling chlorine gas. During cleaning process there may be chances for inhaling chlorine gas. Chlorinated water is also one of the sources for free radicals.


  • Exposure to insecticides and pesticides will cause air pollution. Inhaling that air will also increase the free radical content

Reaction of Antioxidants with free radicals
Antioxidants react with free radicals preventing the cell damage. But the number of free radicals will be increasing with every breathing process. So the amount of antioxidants require will be very high. The antioxidants present in the body will not be enough. Taking foods rich in antioxidants is essential. There are some antioxidant enzymes which will slow down the free radicals reaction. Glutathione and catalase are such enzymes which will help reduce the formation of free radicals. But the effect of an antioxidant will not be same on all free radicals.
What if proper care not taken? Effects of peroxidation process caused by free radicals can be summarized as follows:


  • Since peroxidation causes cell damage, all signs of aging will occur.

  • Wrinkles will occur in the skin

  • Peroxidation will affect the immune system. So the body will easily become prey for many diseases.

  • In the damaged places, plaque will occur in the arteries, which will cause heart attack.

  • Prolonged damage to the cells will even result in the occurrence of cancer.
How this can be avoided?
Taking colored fruits and vegetables will help to increase the antioxidants. They are also very helpful in slowing down the aging process. So they are called as anti aging antioxidants. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants will help to get the young look. The emphasis for including vegetables and fruits in daily diet is mainly because of their antioxidant properties. Some people can also take antioxidant supplements to meet the requirement. Foods rich in antioxidants The antioxidants are present naturally in body. The following foods are rich source of antioxidants.

  • Fruits such as orange, grapes, blueberries.

  • Vegetables such as broccoli, carrot, tomatoes.

  • Peanuts

  • Foods rich in vitamin E such as Rice bran and raw hemp seeds.

Taking colored fruits and vegetables will help to increase the antioxidants. They are also very helpful in slowing down the aging process. So they are called as anti aging antioxidants. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants will help to get the young look. The emphasis for including vegetables and fruits in daily diet is mainly because of their antioxidant properties. Some people can also take antioxidant supplements to meet the requirement. Antioxidant Supplements are taken in order to slow down the aging process.  Health Superstore  has got a range of quality and trusted antioxidant supplements that give you 100% satisfaction and the benefits. 
Country Life Super 10 Antioxidant Formula is a great antioxidant supplement that is enriched in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, Curcumin, Green Tea Extract, Glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine. This supplement from Country Life is considered to be one of the best supplements to defense against the free radical damage.
Celestial Seasonings Antioxidant Green Tea-40 Tea Bags is a natural blend of green tea extract along with natural lemon, roasted chicory roots, Caffeine, Soy lecithin and stevia leaves. This product is from Celestial Seasonings who is the largest marketer and manufacturer of specialty teas in North America. Enjoy the aroma of tea very morning.
References
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml
http://health-online911.com/antioxidant-supplements

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