Image via Wikipedia
What do antioxidants do?
You may have heard about antioxidants. You know that they are good for you but maybe you don’t know why or what they do. They fight free radicals. They stop the chain reaction of oxidation that free radicals cause when they steal electrons from lipid (fat) molecules in the body. A healthy body can normally deal with free radicals but aging appears to reduce the effectiveness of this process. The cumulative damage from free radical oxidation contributes to the deterioration we call aging.
And what are free radicals?
Free radicals are organic molecules with an odd number of electrons. They seek to stabilize themselves by stealing an electron from another molecule. They prefer to steal the needed electron from lipid molecules in the cells in a process called lipid peroxidation. When the lipid molecules lose an electron, they rearrange themselves to permit them to react with oxygen to form a peroxyl radical. The peroxyl radical then steals an electron from another lipid molecule causing a chain reaction. It takes an antioxidant molecule to stop the reaction. The antioxidant molecule gives up an electron and thus becomes a free radical itself. It is different, however, in being able to accommodate the loss of the electron without continuing the chain.
The body fights free radicals but…
The body has a system of protection against free radicals and under normal circumstances should have a balance sufficient to control the potential damage from free radicals. Under extreme circumstances (prolonged or heavy exercise) more free radicals are created than the body can produce. Over time the body will adjust and develop more free radicals when the body receives regular exercise. This suggests that heavy but infrequent exercise (weekend warriors) may be destructive and a program of regular moderate exercise will keep the body functioning and producing the necessary antioxidants.
Free radicals and aging
Scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process and that aging may be related to a loss of the bodies ability to produce enough antioxidants to control the damage from free radicals. No conclusive studies have proved this theory but the benefits from a diet high in antioxidants which can provide the necessary levels to the body is undisputed. Eating a healthy diet which is rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure the level of antioxidants in the body. Supplementation with vitamins C and E and coQ(10) is another good level of protection.
Help your body perform its functions
To fight free radicals and limit their impact on your own aging, exercise on a regular basis to help the body maintain its highest level of natural antioxidant protection. Consume fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant levels and for good measure take anti0xidant supplements.
I loved fruit as a kid and as and aging adult I find vegetables more appealing each year.
Steve,
I’m not liking them any better but I know I need to eat them- and I do. Mostly thanks to my wife.
So I suppose my daily 6 mile walk tells these free radicals where to get off?
Bill
Ashton-under-Lyne, UK
Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..The Human Camera
Bill,
Six miles/day. I’m impressed. If you are doing that everyday, it must be kicking those free radical’s asses.
There’s nothing ‘radical’ about what you’re saying. Green tea, high cocoa content chocolate, and a multitude of fruits and veggies make up my diet. Exercise, as Bill states, is also mandatory for a healthy and lets hope, outrageous lifestyle.
Hansi’s last Blog Post ..Wrestling at the Olympic