Antioxidants Are Here To Help In The Fight Against Free Radicals

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So antioxidants are here to help, and what is a free radical? And what do they mean? Remember when I said vitamins and minerals could be a very dry subject. To explain what they are can't be watered down, but you do need to understand the role they play in our bodies. So, here we go...

The human body metabolizes oxygen in order to produce energy, and "Free Radicals" are a natural by-product of this metabolic process. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with unpaired or unbalanced electrons. In other words "Free Radicals" are unstable oxygen molecules that usually enter our bodies through breathing, eating, drinking etc..

These volatile particles steal electrons from cells and other molecules within the body that can damage DNA. This in turn causes premature ageing and other diseases such as cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease including arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Free radicals react with Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol causing it to stick to the walls of arteries. LDL or bad cholesterol is a major contributor to coronary heart disease. They can cause failing eyesight due to the deterioration in the lenses of the eyes. Diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia can result from the breakdown in cells of the nervous system.

Certain cancers are also related to changes in cell DNA. Exposure to excessive sunlight, smoking, pollution, alcohol and radiation are all known to accelerate the effects of free radicals and lead to premature aging and/or serious illness.

It is quite normal to have free radicals in the body. The body does create antioxidants to combat these unstable molecules. However, too many free radicals have the potential to do significant harm and upset the balance. That is why it is beneficial to add antioxidants through our diet.



Antioxidants are compounds that mop up free radicals and neutralize their impact on cells. Some of the most commonly known antioxidant supplements are Vitamin C, Ester C, Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Garlic, Coenzyme Q-10, Ginkgo Biloba, Bilberry, Lutein, Lycopene, Green Tea Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Omega 3 Fish Oils and Krill Oil, the mineral Selenium and Beta carotene which is a precursor of Vitamin A.

Antioxidants are also present naturally in the food we eat in varying degrees. Some of the most powerful fruits are blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, prunes, red and black plums and apples. Some of the good choices in vegetable antioxidants are artichokes, russet potatoes, onions, garlic, kale, spinach, broccoli, beets, tomatoes, red bell peppers and brussell sprouts. Other powerful antioxidants are red beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans.

Cloves, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, ginger and rosemary are a few of the beneficial spices that we can add to our food that are high in antioxidants.

Nuts and seeds are a huge source of antioxidants. Some of the heavy hitters are walnuts, pecans, hazel nuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, ground flax seed and flax oil.

Certain oils that we cook with or add to our salads can also have beneficial antioxidants in them. These antioxidants are oils such as olive oil (choose light for cooking and extra virgin for salads), walnut oil and sesame seed oil (both great for salads), canola oil, grape seed oil (also great for salads and cooking).

I hope this overview gives you a better understanding of how important it is to incorporate antioxidants into our diets. I know how hard it is to eat all that is required during the day, and antioxidants are also an important part of our daily lives to stay healthy. Moderation in how we eat, variety in what we eat and the right supplements are the absolute key to healthy living for all of us, the young and the not so young.

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