Antioxidants and free radicals

Antioxidants are natural compounds that help protect the body from harmful free radicals

• They play a beneficial role in the prevention of disease
• Phytochemicals and nutrients that act as antioxidants such as: vitamin A, vitamin C and E and minerals selenium and zinc
• Antioxidants work synergistically in giving protection against free radical damage, so it is better to take smaller does of several different antioxidants than large amounts of only one.
• Exception to this is vitamin C which can be taken in large amounts and helps with a variety of different ailments

A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that contain at least one unpaired electron

• Electrons are negatively charged particles that usually occur in pairs, forming chemically stable arrangements
• If electron is unpaired, another atom or molecule can easily bond with it causing chemical reactions
• Because free radicals join so readily with other compounds, they can dramatically affect every cell in the body by causing oxidative damage to cells and tissues.
• They are normally found in the body in small amounts.  When we consume non-foods that contain carcinogens and are void of essential nutrients, it produces an environment where dis-ease can occur.
• Diet rich in Antioxidants can more than neutralize these particles.  Dietary supplements rich in antioxidants act in the same way
• Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals by breaking them down into non-toxic substances and eliminate them from the body.

Sources of Antioxidants:
All fruit contain antioxidants but especially the deep-coloured fruits such as berries of all kinds (bilberries, blueberries, huckleberries and strawberries) all have compounds that help protect against cell degeneration and cancer.
Vegetables are also an excellent source of antioxidants as ongoing research into thousands of phyto-chemicals and antioxidants continue, more and more are being found in all those leafy green and cruciferous (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale and cabbage) veggies.