What are Free Radicals? Free radicals are actually a byproduct of unpaired electrons. In order for us to understand the science behind free radicals we have to understand the chemistry behind it. Think back (way back for most of us) at school when we learned about electrons being involved in chain reactions. Electrons are the substances that bond the atoms together like glue, and they create molecules. Free Radicals occur if there is any disparity on the electron that means there is weakness in the molecule that has been formed. Now free radicals from a general stand point are not bad. Why? Free radicals are formed with metabolism when a person gets sick. An example of this is when you have a cold. When we get sick our bodies create free radicals, these are created in order to neutralize viruses and bacteria. What happens here is that as the body continues to get sick and the chain reaction continues to occur, then we get into trouble. With time the release of free radicals in the system weakens our body and creates serious illnesses. Free radicals can also be created by our environment they are what we can call mutated molecules. They are everywhere!
Mutated molecules are produced in the body by constant contact of cigarette smoke whether is active or passive, alcohol, chemicals found in water, automobile exhaust, oxidized polyunsaturated fat. Commonly used oils that become rancid at high heat temperature are olive, canola, safflower and sunflower, chemicals sprayed on food, as well as unprotected sun exposure can also cause free radicals. Free radicals affect DNA by making cells dysfunctional, and modifying chemical structures.
How damaging are free radicals to the body?
We must learn that free radicals attack our immune system and make it weaker. Excess exposure of free radicals in the body produce: Hangovers, cancer, high blood pressure, lupus, heart disease, glaucoma, cataracts, and acelerated aging in general. All these are just a few of the effects, however the list is extensive. For the whole list of damages please visit the link below "Diseases Caused by Free Radical Damage".
*Reversing the Effects with Antioxidants
Ways to reverse free radicals are by neutralizing the effects of free radicals are by neutralizing its effects. Neutralization can occur with the use of antioxidants, which are molecules that slow down and prevent oxidation of free radical cells in the body. Luckily antioxidants are easy to find.
Antioxidants are found in: any type of organic berries, Beta -Carotene, Luten, Lypocene, Selenium, Vitamins A, C, and E.
3 comments:
I'd like to better understand how alcohol produces mutated molecules. Are there forms of alcohol that are better or worse? For example, is vodka worse than wine?
Brian,
Thank you for your interest in this post. Alcohol produces mutated molecules because it affects the normal cells in the body, so the mixture of alcohol with normal cells alters these cells and then alters the cells molecular structure.The mutation of this cell is what causes free radicals. To read more about this concept you can go to: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0847/is_n1_v16/ai_13364863
In regards of your question with highest alcohol content I believe Bacardi 151 has the highest alcoholic content, and also pretty bad hangovers. The deal with free radical damage is not the content of alcohol, but the substance abuse.
I would like to also advice you that while the overconsumption of anything has its long term repercussions, enjoying a good glass of wine or having something great to celebrate about is part of the joy of life.Life is full of great moments go out there and cheers!
To read more about a moderate and healthier way to enjoy a good glass of organic wine check out my February newsletter---->http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/view_newsletter.php?newsletter_id=1409652299
Thanks Maria for your response! I love your moderate advise that balances health, organic foods and enjoying life.
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