Antioxidant Vitamin Supplement and Free Radicals

Understanding Free Radicals & Antioxidants

Remember the days of chemistry and biology? You probably remember the topic of molecules. A molecule has a nucleus at the center and then a certain number of electrons that orbit around the nucleus. Normally, the molecules that make up your
body are balanced in that they have an even number of electrons. A free
radical is a molecule that has lost one of its electrons leaving it
with an odd number.

These unbalanced free radical molecules attempt to stabilize
themselves by "stealing" an electron from another healthy molecule.
When this process takes place, the cells that are involved can be injured. The cell at the molecular level may become dysfuctional causing disease or even become
malignant resulting in cancer. Research also suggests that free
radicals are one of the main causes of aging and wrinkles.

The body produces free radicals through normal metabolic pathways
such as extracting energy from the food we eat. Exposure to the
toxins in junk food or polluted air, for example, can also be
sources of free radical production. In short, we are exposed to
potential sources of free radical pollution every day of our lives.

Antioxidants are nutritional compounds in whole foods (and higher in raw whole foods) that have extra electrons. When an antioxidant comes in contact with a free
radical - the antioxidant "donates" an electron to the free
radical. This way, the free radical doesn't have to "steal" an
electron from another healthy molecule and avoid the damage normally
caused by the free radical. The antioxidant
nutrients themselves do not become free radicals when they "donate"
an electron because they are stable in either form.

The human body is capable of producing antioxidants naturally, but
under conditions of a poor diet, toxicity, physical stress or
emotional stress this antioxidant production can be severely
impaired. Do you know someone who eats a poor diet, has high
levels of toxicity and is stressed out much of the time? This is
why they may appear older than they actually are.

Eating a healthy whole food diet and drinking plenty of water are
two of the best ways to protect your body from the damage of free
radicals. Fruits and vegetables provide an excellent source of
natural antioxidants to help your body stabilize the free radicals
and ward off the damage that they cause.


So for starters, try to introduce at least 5 servings of fruit and 5 servings of
vegetables every day. If you are having a hard time fitting that in each day, Juice Plus is a convenient and inexpensive way to accomplish this:

And as always please visit my free website www.jplusforme.com


DISCLAIMER:


All statements are my personal opinion and are based on my
personal experience and conclusions. This is not to be construed as an approach
to cure, treat or prevent any illness, and is not a substitute for a doctor’s
consultation diagnosis or treatment. “The Statements contained in this publication
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.” Please consult a health care professional for any medical condition.