Familiarize Yourself With What Are Free Radicals In The Body And How To Stabilize Them For Great Health

By David McDougall

You have probably come across the question what are free radicals in the body and are wondering exactly what they are. These are simply highly reactive molecules manufactured in the body. They are manufactured through a natural body process as an end product of oxidation (metabolism), and by exposure to readily available toxins in the environment such as ultraviolet light and tobacco smoke.

Lone radicals, for the most part, are unpaired. This explains the reason why they are always roaming up and about looking for other lone electrons in which they can pair and stabilize. The process of searching for other lone electrons is what leads to so many health complications in the body. The process can bring about premature aging, tissue damage, and so many other health complications.

The best explanation of these molecules is that they are termed as "free" because they are always in search of other molecules to make them stable. They are further termed as "radicals" because they are available in millions and can find a pair to stabilize with from so many other molecules. It is worth mentioning that the stabilization process can wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy system. This is because it starts a snowball effect once the lone molecule finds a pair, the donating molecule assumes the new title of "free radical", and the chain continues.

As previously mentioned, these molecules have been linked to a myriad of health complications including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, age-related mucular degeneration, Parkison's disease, and glaucoma to mention but a few.

The good news is that the lone molecules can be stabilized and the degenerating effect brought to a halt, all thanks to antioxidants. Note that the process of stabilization destroys so many healthy tissues, hence the need to put to an end to the degenerative process.

Antioxidants such as lipoic acid, lycopene, selenium, resveratrol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene have proven very effective in reducing the damage of these radicals. Thanks to their ability to restrain the formation of the bad molecules in the first place. The other good news is that these antioxidants are readily available in most foods that many people use today. By taking a good supply of antioxidant rich foods, you can be able to neutralize the lone molecules, thus ensure your body is safe from oxidative stress.

They are also available as supplements, but most people will always recommend the use of natural remedies and food sources. Some of the well known foods include black tea, cocoa, goji berries, acai, choke berry, oolong tea, white tea, medicinal mushrooms, tart cherries and wheatgrass to mention but a few. Further ensuring there is a good supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, enough proteins, and sufficient amounts of grain in your diet can also help.

The need to have a free radical scavenger can never be overemphasized enough. This can be a mineral, vitamin, or enzyme that has the ability to destroy the roaming and unstable molecules. The main role of the scavenger in the body is to hunt down all unstable molecules and work to destroy it early enough so they do not cause significant damage to cells. Once you understand what are free radicals in the body, you will be in the best position to search for these scavengers (read antioxidants).

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