Free Radicals Vs Antioxidants

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with an extremely short life span - one millionth of a second. But when one of these steals an electron from another it sets off a chain reaction that creates literally millions of harmful free radicals in a matter of seconds. When electrons are stolen from DNA molecules they can mutate which can lead to certain cancers. Arterial plaque formation occurs when free radicals damage the lipid components in the blood. And finally, by changing their structure thereby compromising their function, proteins are also adversely affected. This damage can lead to such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and also harm the connective tissue which results in skin alteration. Let antioxidant supplements boost your energy level.

But what happens when a free radical steals an electron from an antioxidant? No chain reaction results. The stolen electron becomes a free radical but it does not try to replace its missing electron. This, however, does not mean no more free radicals. As long as we live the body will continue to produce these harmful components. Left unchecked free radicals can multiply in the millions in a matter of seconds leaving the body open to disease which in turn can zap one's energy. Let antioxidant supplements boost your energy level.

When choosing foods high in antioxidants think color - bright color. Berries, especially blueberries and cranberries, are a great source of antioxidants. Other food sources readily available are grape seed and grape skin, olive fruit and green tea to name just a few. Foods rich in vitamin C, selenium, copper, zinc, iron, etc. are also high in antioxidants. But because of the way farming is done today such as planting a single crop many times over in the same tract of land or by growing multiple crops in a single growing season can hasten the depletion of essential minerals in the soil thereby rendering the produce less nutritious than generations ago when the world was less populated. Let antioxidant supplements boost your energy level.

Finally in an effort to live a vital and energetic life it is important to not allow ourselves to get run down, eat too much of the wrong foods or get too little sleep. Some of us exercise only sporadically, if at all. Yet with our busy lifestyles these things can happen but we can take control of our lives. Let antioxidant supplements boost your energy level.