Free radicals are believed to accelerate aging and disease by causing
damage to our body's cells. Free radicals are charged,
unstable molecules looking to become neutral by stealing an electron
from another molecule. That molecule then becomes a free radical itself
and searches to become neutral; thereby setting off a chain reaction.
This cascade finally results in disruption of a living cell.
Antioxidants
neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons;
thereby ending the electron-stealing chain reaction. Antioxidants do
not become free radicals themselves because they are stable with or
without the extra electron. They act as scavengers helping to prevent
cell and tissue damage from free radicals.
Antioxidants
include vitamin E, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, carotenoids, glutathione,
and melatonin. Antioxidants can be found naturally in fruits and
vegetables; unfortunately, most Americans don't consume adequate
amounts. Nutritional supplementationcan increase your body's
antioxidant defense system.
