Sunday, January 29, 2012

Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Free radicals are difficult to understand, but oddly enough, they amaze me. Sure, it took me hours to comprehend the whole mechanics of it, but after an excrutiating long time of trying to understand free radicals, I finally understood the logistics of them (thanks to my very good friend).

When it comes to biology, I have to break things down small enough to visualize it and make a connection to it. I want to know the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" questions. You can call me curious with an unending ardor for knowledge..or you can call me whatever you want to call me. Either way, I'll always go with the first one since it makes me feel good about myself. But, anyways back to free radicals. From reading and being tutored, I learned that human beings naturally contain electrons (no, I never knew this...). Oxidation removes electrons, causing an instability and malfunction of cells. With this in mind, the free radical theory comes into play for the aging population.

How can free radicals appear? In class, I learned that stress, ultraviolet rays, pollution, and poor nutrition are key causes of free radicals. Free radicals are side effects of producing energy (Antioxidants Against Aging). Believe it or not, our cells use electrons to create energy (Heal Yourself At Home). If there are not enough electrons, then we are doomed to face the consequences of aging prematurely and many other possible outcomes. Everyday we are facing conditions that can alter our human bodies, and it is our responsibility to prevent the accumulation of the free radicals as we enter our later stages of life, so thank God for antioxidants. Antioxidants, from what I learned, add electrons to the unpaired ones; therefore, stabilizing the human body to its healthy state. Antioxidants can rage from vitamins A, C, and E, and a few other random sources.

Now that are more knowledgeable about the popular theory of free radicals, it is highly essential for, not only the aging population, but for all people, to be mindful of their environment and lifestyle. The more you supply your body with antioxidants, the less likely it is for you to be a victim of the free radical theory as you grow older.

It's been fun, but I have written more than I intended. However, I do hope antioxidants become your friends after reading my blog!

http://www.blogger.com/goog_470300590
http://healyourselfathomefl.health.officelive.com/NEWSTART_NUTRITION_FOOD_Electronfoods.aspx