General Health ArticlesAntioxidants

Antioxidants

Before we delve into antioxidants, it's essential to first understand free radicals. Free radicals are molecules or atoms that have lost an electron, making them unstable and highly reactive. They tend to steal electrons from other molecules, leading to changes and damage in the structure of those molecules. Free radicals can be produced from both internal and external factors.

Internal sources of free radicals primarily come from the body's metabolism at the cellular level, particularly within mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. When we consume more food than needed, the body's metabolism increases, leading to higher production of free radicals.

External sources of free radicals include exposure to UV radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke, bacterial or viral infections, consuming fried or grilled foods, and physical or emotional stress, such as sleep deprivation, intense exercise, or psychological pressure.

Once free radicals are generated, the body naturally creates antioxidants to neutralize these harmful molecules. However, when the number of free radicals exceeds the body's capacity to neutralize them, oxidative stress occurs. This stress slowly damages cells, leading to various age-related and degenerative diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, dementia, cataracts, obesity, and even cancer.

To prevent cellular damage, it is crucial to avoid factors that trigger free radicals, as mentioned above, and increase the intake of antioxidants through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Modern health technology now allows for precise measurement of antioxidant levels, such as vitamins A, C, and E, lycopene, beta-carotene, and coenzyme Q10. This enables individuals to supplement specific antioxidants that are beneficial for disease prevention in a more accurate and personalized way.