As the name suggests, antioxidants are substances that counteract the destructive but normal effects of oxidative physiological processes in animal tissues. Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins that contribute to chemical reactions in the body). They are believed to play a role in preventing the development of this chronic disease.

When the production of harmful molecules called free radicals exceeds the protective capacity of antioxidant defense, oxidative stress occurs. Free radicals are chemically active atoms or molecular fragments with charges due to the excessive or insufficient number of electrons. Examples of free radicals are superoxide anions, hydroxyl groups, transition metals such as iron and copper, nitric acid and ozone. The free radicals containing oxygen, called reactive oxygen species (ROS), are the most important free radicals in biology. ROS includes superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, as well as oxygen derivatives without unpaired electrons, such as hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen and hypochlorite.

Because they have one or more unpaired electrons, free radicals are very unstable. They remove your body to grab or donate electrons, thereby destroying cells, proteins and DNA (genetic material). The same oxidation process also causes oil to deteriorate, rotting apples to brown and iron to rust.

It is impossible for us to avoid the harm of free radicals. Free radicals come from our internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) sources. Because of normal aerobic breathing, metabolism and inflammation, oxidants developed from processes in our bodies form. Exogenous free radicals come from environmental factors such as pollution, sunlight, strenuous exercise, X-ray, smoking and alcohol. Our antioxidant system is not perfect, so as we grow older, parts of oxidized damaged cells accumulate.


Antioxidants: What Robin Brett Parnes needs to know.

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The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any questions or doubts about your health, always seek advice from your doctor or qualified health care provider. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. Because of what you have heard or read in this article or on the Internet, don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice.