Take Antioxidants To Stay Young and Fit

Free radicals were first discovered by Moses Gomberg in the year 1900. They are a highly reactive molecular species. They play an important part in the chemical reactions of the human body. As cells produce energy, they also produce unstable oxygen molecules. They are unstable due to the fact that their electrons are unpaired. This causes danger to the cells of the body. When these unstable molecules combine with other molecules, they may destroy them. This process is what speeds up the process of aging.

What Causes The Production Of Free Radicals
Just the process of living and breathing causes the production of free radicals. This is part of the natural working of the body. Other things that can cause their excessive production are drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking, pollution and radiation from electronic devices, such as TVs and computers.

The Damaging Effects Of Free Radicals
Free radicals can cause much harm to the body. They damage DNA and the many cells of the body. This type of damage can lead to premature aging and serious health problems. When we breath, we take in oxygen. This starts a process called oxidation. At this point, free radicals form. Oxidation of cells can cause health problems and make a person appear older then their actually are. Just think about someone who drinks and smokes excessively. After many years of this behavior, they usually end up looking old and have many health problems.

How Antioxidants Work
Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to prevent other molecules from oxidizing. These antioxidants keep free radicals from forming. Antioxidants are found in food and plants to varying degrees. When you supply your body with enough antioxidants it will have what it needs to fight the damaging effects of free radicals and cell oxidation, such as premature aging.

The Many Benefits of Antioxidants
Consuming plenty of antioxidants can help you to stay young looking and healthy. It’s important to eat foods that contain large amounts of antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Berries are one food in particular that contains high amounts of antioxidants.

Eating these types of foods can help prevent premature aging, heart disease and other age-related conditions. Antioxidants also play an important part in keeping your immune system strong. This keeps you from getting the flu and other types of viral and bacterial infections.

Many people believe that even cancer can be avoided by consuming large amounts of antioxidants. More research is still needed in this area though. When you consume antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, your skin and hair will stay young looking. You won’t have the problem of premature wrinkling of the skin and other signs of aging until well into your golden years.