The body needs antioxidants to reduce the number of free radicals and prevent the damage they can cause. Antioxidants give electrons to the free radicals, stopping the harmful chain reaction and tame the atom under frenzy, trying to find his lone electron a new “spouse”. Providing leading free radical electron chemical stability of the molecule renewed.

Related studies have proven beyond doubt that significant exposure to free radicals, greater than the amount of antioxidants available to us, plays a crucial role in the development of chronic diseases and diseases associated with ageing  and expedite the ageing process itself. In other words, when the antioxidant in our bodies can not cope with countless dangerous free radicals, we age faster, and during the ageing process, even get sick more often and to a more severe state.

Fortunately, there is much we can do much to neutralize the negative impact of free radicals. With a wise, moderate and balanced treatment supplements which contain antioxidants, you can significantly increase the concentration of these in the blood and cells of your body, aid detoxification and live a healthier, longer life.

Free radicals and oxidation process – a closer look

The body consists of several sets of organs and tissues. Apparently the cells that make up these organs and tissues, organs have called by scientists “organelles”. Every one of the 60 trillion cells in our body are microscopic organelles called mitochondria. Organelle mitochondria are the “power station” of cells responsible for making necessary fuel for energy. Organelle mitochondria provide the body with the energy needed to allow the heart – beating lung cells – to breathe, to liver cells – to filter and clean the blood of toxins, brain cells – to think, and so on.

Within each mitochondrion (organelle one of the mitochondria) occur dozens of chemical reactions that make the carbohydrates and fats into “coins” of chemical energy – molecules of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). These chemical reactions Comments – found in the metabolic cycle called Krebs cycle – require the involvement of many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – to maintain proper chemical processes.

During the process of creating ATP (partially disintegrating and releasing chemical energy when needed), free radicals are created in the mitochondria. Free radicals are natural byproducts of metabolic processes in the body, and are vital to the existence of a metabolic process. Unfortunately, they also cause damage to lipids, proteins and DNA molecules (DNA-Deoxyribonucleic Acid) – the biological code which programmes the structure of our cells and our cells’ range of actions.

To make a molecule chemically stable, free radical – molecule particle – aims to “unite” with another molecule. As a result, it changes the molecular structure, and sometimes even causing it permanent damage. As we age, the body’s ability to prevent the damage or correct it decreases. This, in fact, is one of the reasons for the changes characteristic of the ageing process and the development of diseases afflicting us with advancing age.

Damage caused by free radicals to proteins
Among the most prominent ingredients in animal cells are proteins. The protein is a long molecule composed of many units (several hundred) of amino acids. The order of amino acids determines the type of protein. This order code encrypted in the DNA of body cells.

The body needs protein to maintain the structure and function of cells in tissues and organs of the body. This is done by arranging the various chemical processes which occur in it. Even hormones, enzymes and antibodies in our bodies are, in fact, proteins. A free radicals attack on the structure can damage proteins, which impair their ability to function effectively and perform their assigned tasks in the body.

Scientific research findings indicate that oxidative damage to proteins as a cause for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the impact of free radicals on proteins and lipids in the skin, is a major factor external manifestations of ageing.

Damage caused by free radicals to fats

Cell membranes and nerve cells shells are made from fat among other things. The brain is too made 60% of fat. Fats – especially non saturated fats found in large quantities in the body – are highly vulnerable to oxidative attack. Waste materials and fuel will not move through cell membranes as easily, after the cellular fat underwent a process of oxidation. Ultimately, the cumulative damage of oxidative process of cell membranes, has a significant negative impact on the overall acceleration aging process of the body.

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide suffer from a high level of cholesterol. Usually, this means that they have high levels of cholesterol LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) – lipoproteins with low density, called “bad” cholesterol, and low levels of cholesterol HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins) – lipoproteins high density, called “good” cholesterol.
In the past, people used to think that when LDL level are higher than the level of HDL, there is a higher risk of heart and blood vessels disease. However, recent studies have found that oxidative changes in the LDL structure, which are caused by the onslaught of free radicals, are the real reason for the negative impact of “bad” cholesterol on artery stenosis.

LDL cholesterol is not always “bad”. It is used for transfer of nutrients in the bloodstream, fat-soluble, such as vitamin E and beta – carotene. However, when we do not consume enough antioxidant nutrients, free radicals are expected to attack the LDL in a serious manner. Oxidative damage caused by this attack, causes the immune system to operate incorrectly, against LDL. Streamed white blood cells to engulf the LDL molecules, the same way they attack bacteria. Then, adhesion molecules are released from the external shell  of LDL molecule, swallowed up by the white blood cells, and cling to the sides of the arteries. Other inflammatory substances, such as (CRP) C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are joined to the process as well, and results in a thickened inflamed plaque, which can block blood flow in blood vessels. Remember that all this is caused by lack of dietary ingredients –  antioxidants!

Damage caused by free radicals to DNA
DNA molecule contains a database of biological instructions designed to cells, suggesting them how to grow, change and perform their daily tasks. Almost every one of the 60 trillion cells in our body contains a complete set of that genetic information. Various cell types follow these genetic codes.

When free radicals attack the DNA, they may change and disrupt the genetic codes, in a way that will change and mutate DNA. Cells may become cancerous due to that. The cells are becoming unsorted, which means they lose their unique properties which allow them to function normally, defined by their genetic code. For example, a liver with cancer cells can not clean the blood of toxins. Similarly, lung cancer would not be allowed proper functioning of the pulmonary circulation.

Cancer cells proliferate more rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner, compared to normal cells. They also receive eternal life – as long as they will find fuel and space to grow (healthy cells, however, are programmed to die and give way from time to time, so that new cells can be created). Cancer cells use energy, and occupy the space needed for the body’s organs to do their job. When cancer cells multiply and form a tumor, they often spread to other body organs through the lymphatic system. Further, cancer cells can destroy the functioning of the organs of the body and eventually cause death.

It has been shown that antioxidants prevent oxidative changes which may occur to DNA, which can lead to the development of cancer. Antioxidants may also help slow the ageing process and the progression of this disease group, and improve the body’s defence forces, in order to stop the cancer process and bring it back, by repairing the the oxidative damages.