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. Free Radicals ...

Free Radicals vs. Antioxidants

Mr. Marc Licata - http://www.zonadiet.com/

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules and the consequence of these reactions produces a disruption in the cell membranes of our body. This disorder is lethal to the cell.

are produced in most body cells through the cell's own metabolism and also by the action of toxic agents.
There are two types of agents producing free radicals:
Interns:

• very intense exercise,
• stress,
• own metabolism.

Outsiders:

• poor diet (malnutrition)
• snuff consumption,
• alcohol,
• medicines,
• pollution
• excess sun exposure.

In the presence of free radicals, the body must neutralize and defend, to avoid injury tissues, but the problem itself, occurs when the concentration of free radicals is very high.

When these are present in the body in adequate amounts confer benefits, such as the fight against bacteria and viruses, regulating the structure and function of proteins , control muscle tone, etc..

The consequences of excess free radicals in the body, directly affect our health status as follows:

• Aging: Produced by the accumulation over years of free radicals, a result the membranes of epithelial cells are modified, and thus hindered the nutrition of the skin, on the other side also cells are damaged collagen and elastin, so skin loses its firmness and elasticity.
• cardiovascular system problems: It is favored the development of atherosclerosis by the hardening of arterial walls. The endothelium is responsible for maintaining the balance between the processes of thrombosis, fibrosis, and vasodilation-constriction. Oxidation by excess free radicals affect the endothelial wall, unable to perform their functions properly. LDL uptake is also affected and therefore the LDL remaining in the bloodstream.
• problems in the nervous system: The nerve impulse is diminished, like reflexes, memory and learning, if it decreases the blood supply to nervous system may be suffering dementia .

Specifically ... What is a free radical?

The free radical is an atom of O2 (oxygen) with 7 electrons (stable oxygen atom has 8 electrons and becomes unstable when it loses 1 electron), lacking the electron, is borrowed from the cell membrane and thus producing another free radical resulting in a chain reaction. This chain reaction is combated with the action of antioxidants, which neutralize oxygen atoms.

For neutralization, there are endogenous and exogenous antioxidants:

• are endogenous enzymes (proteins) with antioxidant capacity not consumed by reacting with free radicals and are dependent on their cofactors such as copper, iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium .
• The exogenous from the diet, unlike the enzymes are consumed by reacting with free radicals, and must be replaced.

are divided according to where they operate:

Those exert their action at the lipid membrane are

• Vitamin E
• carotenes
• poly-phenols and flavonoids
• ubiquinol 10 (reduced by the Q10)

Those who act in an aqueous medium:

• ascorbic acid (aka Vitamin C )

Those related to heavy metals:

• ferritin
• transferrin
• lactoferrin

ceruloplasmin

In conclusion it is important to know which are natural products related to the antioxidant and thereby protecting the cell membranes of our body.

• carrot oil (high in vitamin A)
• selenium yeast
• lady's mantle extract (high in flavonoids)
• acacia powder (high in flavonoids)
• rose hips (high in vitamin A and C and flavonoids)
• wheat germ (high in vitamin E)
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Beta carotene
• Selenium