Understanding And Neutralizing Free Radicals

What Are Antioxidants and What Are Free Radicals?

It all begins with antioxidants:  So what are antioxidants? Where are they?  And how much should I have?

Antioxidants are naturally found in fruits and veggies. Eating the good food God intended when He created fruits and vegetables way back when...before MacDonalds.  You see, scientists have recently discovered that antioxidants wage a vengeful warfare against the 'free radicals" in your body, destroying them and consequently releasing the proverbial "fountain of youth".


Antioxidants are found naturally in nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E and selenium. Together they can prevent damage to your body cells or repair damage that has been done.

Antioxidants work by slowing down or preventing the oxidative  process.  For example, if you cut  2 two fresh apple slices and place them on a tray. Coat one with fresh lemon juice.  The apple slice without the lemon juice will turn brown due to oxidation - or damage from oxygen - much faster than the apple with the protection of the lemon juice, vitamin C.  This browning process is caused by substances called free radicals. Free radicals are in your body and through this process can lead to cell dysfunction and the onset of problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Your cells break down and die without antioxidants to repair and or protect them. According to the American Heart Association, antioxidants work to protect your cells, may also improve immune function and perhaps lower your risk for infection, cancer and other devastating diseases.

An healthy eating plan containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts may supply all the antioxidants your body needs. A healthy eating plan like that includes a our super food list that is high in ORAC value 3 times a day will give you a power boost. Funny thing about antioxidants, your body depletes itself or them naturally every 4-6 hours. No need to overdose.




Your Cells Under Attack: What are free radicals and how to control them?

A FREE Radical has a very long scientific explanation that would take a refresher course in chemistry 101 to completely understand.  However, to put it simply... When the cells in your body divide, a split or weak bond free radical is formed. They are formed without an electron and they try to capture a needed electron to gain stability. If one is not available they get one by attacking and stealing them from neighboring healthy molecules.

When attacked the good molecule looses its electron and becomes a free radical too, thus beginning a chain reaction. Once this process begins it grows in the complete disruption of a living cell.  As the assualt continues, the attacked good cells create waste by products and as you grow older the collection of these waste by products -- bad cells increase and takes a dramatic toll on your body.  Your body is no longer able to produce energy, maintain immunity, transmit nerve impulses or synthesize hormones with the free radicals ravaging your body. 

Free radicals usually begin to multiply when the immune system is under attack. For example, when your body is fighting to neutralize viruses or germs that attack it.  Also, they increase due to environmental stresses like pollution, cigarette smoke, exposure to chemicals in the home , herbicides, chemicals in food (chemicals to avoid),  excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, stress, over-exposure to ultra violet rays and yes even poor nutrition.

Protecting your cells from free radicals is the most critical step in anti-aging. Once you begin an anti-aging plan, the key is to stop the attack of free radicals by maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants. The goal is to stop the chain reaction that is assaulting your cellular DNA.

Antioixidants to the Rescue

The most natural way to fight free radical damage associated with the aging process is to enhance the body's antioxidant levels.  Antioxidant energized foods and drinks help make skin glow on the outside and about halts aging by taking out free radicals on the inside. So begin to pay attention to what you put on and in your body.

Antioxidants are nature's safe molecules that magically and safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although, there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is should be included in this category. Please do not make the mistake of thinking all you need is Vitamin C as your only antioxidant.  Your body needs all the above. Additionally, the body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.

1. Begin eating the  fresh fruits and veggies that are on our list of Top 25 Anti Aging Super Foods. Our list of Super Foods  are loaded with all the vitamins, minerals, fats and fiber you need to gt started.  Antioxidants have a life time of 4-6 hours in your body. Be sure to include a cup of fresh fruit or veggie at every meal.  Just how much Super Food do you need? click here (but remember to stick with the Super Foods list)

Also the world's best Anti-Aging supplement, Vivix has all the vitamins and nutrients you need to start. Vivix is all natural and pure and fights aging on the cellular level.  learn more


2.  Begin today to limit your exposure to toxins, food additives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, smoke including second hand smoke, air pollution and stress they all produce free radical attacks.

3.  Begin today to add more antioxidants to your diet. Recommended dosage - eat or drink an antioxidant every four - siz hours to provide your cells with maximum protection.  Toxin free (fresh organic is best). The goal is to have one of them with every meal and snack. If you are unable to eat a diet rich in antioxidants consider supplements. Powerful antioxidant solutions

4.  Choose healthy fats and oils --  Only purchase monounsaturated fats ~ Get the Facts on Fats and Oils and why you should have a daily dose. learn more

5.  Replenish Your Vitamins and Minerals -- Not getting the Vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need everyday? You need them all! The antioxidants are just the beginning of the list.  Just what are the daily recommended vitamin and mineral intakes? How much should you have? You should know this. learn more


6.  Introducing Probiotics-- What are probiotics and more importantly why you need them? learn more


7.  Exercise -- start today


D. Ross Curington
Health and Wellness Coach




We'd love to hear your views on anti aging. Do you believe aging can be  slowed down? Do you believe it's useless to even try to stave it off? Or would you like more information?  Leave us a comment,  we'd love to hear your thoughts.

If you plan to distribute or use content in this blog feel free to do so. However, please request written permission via email. We love link backs too. Please observe copyright regulations.This is a u comment I follow site.