It is claimed that most of the ‘bad things’ that happen to/ in our body; including organ degeneration, heart disease, and cancer are caused by free radicals. But what are free radicals and can we protect ourselves? T A free radical is an unstable molecule or atom caused by the lack of an electron. In general, our body contains paired molecules or atoms with an electron.
Try to imagine a bicycle with one wheel missing, that bicycle would not function anymore. This is the same with those paired molecules or atoms missing an electron. These will become free radicals that float around our body. Electrons may be destroyed to affect certain functions of our body; such as the metabolic process, which requires the use of oxygen and ccausing the molecules in our body to become unstable. The reaction is called ‘oxidation’. Our body actually generates free radicals from birth providing our body with high energy levels, killing germs, and protecting us from getting sick. However, as we become older, our body is less effective in removing free radicals.
Combined with more free radicals we are being exposed to through our lifestyle; e.g. eating grilled or roasted beef that contain high fat, eating food fried with oil that is used repeatedly, being exposed to UV rays and air pollution, consumption of alcohol, smoking, or even stress from our daily lives. This results in the accumulation of free radicals in our body. If our body cannot get rid of these free radicals completely, the cell of various organs in our body will be damaged. For example: immune suppressants, degeneration of the body expressed in the form of premature aging, deterioration of the organs, or in the worst case, cancer. Our body has two mechanisms to get rid of these free radicals: The use of enzymes that our body creates to trap free radicals.
However enzymes produced are not usually sufficient and combined with deterioration with aging, the enzymes produced seem to never be enough. The use of antioxidants that our body creates and also from food; such as Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene, Anthrocyanidin, and other Poly-Phenolic compounds (e.g. Tannin, Catechin, CoenzymeQ10, or Co Q10). These antioxidants are the main way to prevent and slow down any disease or even wrinkles caused by free radicals. Otur choice of food, especially those that are beneficial to our organs, and function as a highly effective antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables is important. More regular exercise also helps with good health.
