What are free radicals ?
We have from 80 to 100 trillion cells in our body that have to be fed and looked after. Each cell contains many atoms and proteins needed for the cell to function properly.
In this picture of an atom there is a nucleus made up of protons (which are positively charged) and neutrons which have no charge. Buzzing around the nucleus are five electrons (which are negatively charged).
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. This particular atom has 5 electrons so it has unpaired electrons and is in fact a free radical. Because it is electrically unbalanced this atom will either 'be looking' to steal one electron from another atom or it could lose another electron to another passing atom. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane (this is the outer skin of a cell that holds the cell together). Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.
Here is a very disturbing fact. If our body, over time, creates too many free radicals, then the aging process will speed up as well as leaving us open to the seven deadly diseases of modern times.
The good news is that nature has a solution to combat these free radicals. Your immune system automatically creates substances called "ANTI-OXIDANTS" which get rid of these free radicals. These anti-oxidants are contained in the vitamins in the food we eat - or they used to be !!
REMEDY = Take quality nutritional supplements on a regular basis !
Please click here and then click on 'Men's Health' or 'Women's Health' for your quality nutritional supplements.
Posted 09/19/05 by Almabiz | Filed under: General Health Information
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