Free radicals and antioxidants

Today everyone is frightened by free radicals, which adversely affect the human body, but is it really, or is this another scarecrow.

How do free radicals act on the human body?

Free radicals are products (molecules) that appear due to metabolism . Formed molecules freely move around the body and can destroy cells, resulting in a change in the structure of DNA. The number of free radicals can be affected by disease, aging or radiation situation. That it does not happen it is necessary to use antioxidants. But on the other hand free radicals serve as a shield between the body and various infections. If you get rid of them, then the body will be very difficult to resist serious diseases and viruses. Another indispensable plus of free radicals - they are fighting with cancer cells. Therefore, we can conclude that free radicals kill pathogenic cells, harmful substances and other toxins that are in the body.

What else are free radicals useful for?

To the human body functioned well and could resist not only viruses, but also other physical and psychological disorders need free radicals. If you neutralize free radicals with antioxidants, then it can lead to serious illnesses. Determine where exactly in the body there are too many free radicals is simply impossible and so far scientists are looking for a way to do this.

What to do in order not to increase the amount of free radicals in the body?

If you feel good, then the amount of free radicals in the body is balanced. In order not to violate this balance, lead a correct way of life, do not smoke, give up alcohol, eat right, play sports. Also during active viral diseases it is recommended, in addition to take vitamin complexes.

Antioxidants in foods

All antioxidants can be divided into 2 groups: natural and synthetic. It is best to give your preference to natural antioxidants, since they are the ones that benefit the body. Most of them in fresh vegetables and fruits.

  1. They help neutralize free radicals retinol and vitamin A. They are contained in the following foods: carrots, peaches, apricots, etc.
  2. Another indispensable helper is vitamin C , it is abundant in citrus fruits, as well as in black currant and cowberry. In addition to fruit, it can be found in vegetables: Bulgarian pepper, spinach and herbs.
  3. A good antioxidant is vitamin E, which is found in seeds, nuts and olives.
  4. Help neutralize free radicals flavonoids, which can be found in green tea, pomegranate and red wine.

It is only necessary to remember that antioxidants are destroyed during heat treatment, so try to eat the above products fresh. Also, they can not be salted or marinated. The most antioxidants are found in herbs and spices. Only here the main thing is not to overdo it, as supersaturation of the body with antioxidants can lead to serious problems.

Antioxidants in cosmetics

  1. It has been proven that antioxidants can prevent early skin aging by using:
  2. Coenzyme Q-10. It can be found in vegetable oil and nuts. It helps to improve the elasticity of the skin, and also restores the cells.
  3. Retinol. Protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
  4. Catechins. Are in green tea. They block the action of free radicals, and also soothes and relieves skin inflammation. It is used in sunscreens.