Food for thought…

Have you heard of the power of antioxidants and wondered what they were and how they work?

     It all starts with the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron. They can exist independently in the body. They are highly reactive and unstable, and can cause unwanted chain reactions by pulling an electron away from a neighboring molecules. They can damage DNA, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are a type of free radical formed from oxygen molecules. Free radicals are created by normal metabolic functions but their numbers can be increased by things like medications, cigarettes, natural radiation, air pollutants and chemicals. This leads to what is called oxidative damage or oxidative stress in the body. Chronic stress can also lead to oxidative damage! Not all ROS in the body have a negative effect, we actually need them to perform important immune functions, like attacking viruses and bacteria or breaking down dead cells in the body.