WHAT ARE FREE RADICALS

[maria angelica sassone]

 

Prof. Charles R. Salas C.

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an electron ( e-) unpaired able to mate , so they are very reactive .
These radicals roam in our body trying to steal an electron from stable molecules in order to reach its electrochemical stability .
Once the free radical has managed to steal the electron it needs to its free electron pair , the stable molecule that gives it in turn becomes a free radical , on the left with an unpaired electron , thus starting a chain reaction real destroying our cells. The biological half-life of free radical is of microseconds , but has the ability to react with everything around him causing great damage to the molecules and cell membranes. Free radicals are not inherently bad . In fact, our own body manufactures them in moderation to fight bacteria and viruses. Free radicals produced by the body to carry out certain functions are easily neutralized by our own system. To this end , our body produces enzymes (such as catalase and superoxide dismutase ) that are responsible for neutralizing them. These enzymes have the ability to disarm free radicals without destabilizing their own state.

Chemical reactions of free radicals is constant in the cells of our body and are necessary for health. But the process must be controlled with adequate antioxidant protection. An antioxidant is a substance capable of neutralizing the oxidant action of free radicals in our blood, releasing electrons that are captured by free radical molecules become unstable.

Our body is fighting against free radicals any time of day. The problem for our health is when our body has to bear an excess of free radio for years, caused mostly by external contaminants that enter our body products air pollution, cigarette smoke contains polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes producing different types of free radicals in our body. The consumption of hydrogenated vegetable oils such as margarine and trans fatty acid consumption of fats such as meat and milk also contribute to increased free radicals.

The protection we need to prevent the increase of free radicals in our bodies that accelerate the speed of aging and degeneration of the cells of our body is the consumption of natural antioxidants such as beta carotene (pro -vitamin A) present in the carrot , mango , tomatoes , melons , peaches, spinach.
Vitamin E ( tocopherol) is an antioxidant that maintains the integrity of the cell membrane, protects the destruction of vitamin A, prevents and dissolves blood clots and retards cellular aging. It is found in many fruits and vegetables such as: Avocado (30 ), sweet (50), studs ( 25) , spinach ( 20) , tomatoes (12) , broccoli (11) , blackberry (10) and carrots (5. )
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid ) is another natural antioxidants that destroy excess free radicals. Necessary to produce collagen, important in the growth and repair of tissue cells , gums, blood vessels , bones and teeth, and for the metabolism of fats , so you have the power to reduce cholesterol. Research has shown that a diet rich in vitamin C provides additional protection against all types of cancers. In addition to preventing the common cold and strengthening the body's defenses . Food sources of vitamin C are: currants , green peppers , kiwi , lemon ( everyone before the lemon have a higher content of vitamin C that he and those who are after minor) , strawberries and cauliflower , brussels sprouts , oranges , Tomatoes , turnips and melons.
Selenium acts together with vitamin E as an antioxidant , helping our metabolism to combat free radical activity . Helps protect against cancer as well as maintain proper liver function , cardiac and reproductive . It is the most toxic of the minerals included in our diet. Ingestion of high doses is manifested by hair loss , abnormal nails and teeth , nausea , vomiting, and sour milk breath .
Food sources of selenium : Meat , fish , whole grains and dairy products. The vegetables will depend on the land they have cultivated.
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in plants such as fruits and vegetables, which are excellent antioxidants. also commonly found in tea (especially green tea) and wine .
The fruits that were harvested to maturity , a large number of flavonoids , carotenoids , lycopene, zantinas , lutein and indoles , all with a potent antioxidant.
In short if we want to prevent aging and disease caused by too much uncontrolled free radicals in our body , we need to lead healthy lives without consuming cigarette ( snuff ) and have a diet free of saturated fats and trans fatty acids that may increase bad cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol that form it contributes to atherosclerosis .

The health of our body depends on the health of our cells. Keeping our cells healthy we avoid free radicals. Prof. Charles R. Salas C.
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