Harmful Effects Of Free Radicals And How To Disarm Them
Oxygen (O2) is indispensable for the metabolic process of cellular respiration and maintenance of life. However, under certain situations, O2 can have severe harmful effects on the human body, because it reacts with certain molecules to form free radicals, which are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons. Free radicals are chemically unstable and highly reactive, and can start harmful chemical reactions that can damage important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Also, this oxidative stress may compromise normal cellular functions or cause the cells to die. Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species are derived either from normal essential metabolic processes in the human body, or from external sources such as exposure to X-rays, ozone, cigarette smoking, air pollutants and industrial chemicals. It is well-accepted that free radical may increase the incidence of different diseases.
The human body has several mechanisms to counteract the potential damage of free radicals and other reactive oxygen chemicals. Such mechanisms may act directly on free radicals, as well as on different cellular compartments. One important line of defence is a system of enzymes, including glutathione peroxidases, superoxide dismutases and catalase, which decrease the concentrations of the most harmful oxidants in the tissues. Several essential minerals including selenium, copper, manganese and zinc are necessary for the formation or activity of these enzymes. Therefore, if the nutritional supply of these minerals is inadequate, enzymatic defences against free radicals may be impaired.
Another, line of defence against free radical damage is the presence of antioxidants. An antioxidant is a molecule stable enough to donate an electron to a free radical and neutralize it, thus reducing its capacity to cause damage. Some antioxidants, including ubiquinol, glutathione and uric acid, are produced during normal metabolism in the body. Other important antioxidants are found in the diet. Although about 4000 antioxidants have been identified, the best known are vitamin E, vitamin C and the carotenoids. Many other non-nutrient food substances, generally phenolic or polyphenolic compounds, display antioxidant properties and, thus, may be important for health. Although a wide variety of antioxidants in foods contribute to disease prevention, the bulk of research has focused on three antioxidants, which are essential nutrients or precursors of nutrients. These are vitamin E, vitamin C and the carotenoids. Each of these antioxidant nutrients has specific activities and they often work synergistically to enhance the overall antioxidant capability of the body
The balance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defences in the body has important health implications. If there are too many free radicals produced and too few antioxidants, a condition of "oxidative stress" develops which may cause chronic damage; in fact, free radicals have been implicated in several health problems. Cancer, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarction, senile cataracts, acute respiratory distress syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few examples. Numerous studies have shown the protective effects of antioxidant nutrients on these health problems.
Thus, it is important to have a balanced diet to ensure adequate daily intake of antioxidant, and a healthy life style, such as quitting smoking, to decrease the amount of free radicals. In addition, physical exercise increases the body’s ability to neutralise free radicals. In fact, a number of studies showed that regular physical exercise brings about physiological adaptations that enhance performance, wellbeing and health, including boosting the antioxidant defence system, helping protect against free radical damage.
Optimize your nutrients intake to nourish your body from within and enhance your health. Get your premium health products and natural treatments, go to: https://synergyvita.com
