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Chemistry of Oxidants
Free radicals or oxidants are molecules containing single unpaired electrons, and are on the lookout for electrons to pair up. Exogenous and endogenous oxidants or free radicals are the major cause of over a hundred human diseases.
Free radicals or oxidants are molecules containing single unpaired electrons, and are on the lookout for electrons to pair up. Exogenous and endogenous oxidants or free radicals are the major cause of over a hundred human diseases.
The process of ageing is also hastened by the onslaught of oxidants in the body.
Oxidants are normally produced during healthy cellular metabolism, wherein 98 per cent of the oxygen consumed by a cell is converted to water. The remaining one to two per cent of the unutilised oxygen is free to escape as free radicals.
A portion of the oxidants go on a rampage damaging cell membranes, lipids, DNA etc. causing significant cell defects or destruction. Natural endogenous free radicals or oxidants are derived not only from metabolic reactions, but also from physiological and psychological stress and immunological reactions to microbial infections and allergens.
Much of this damage is repaired by naturally occurring antioxidant systems that scavenge oxidants, but not all of them.
Oxidative stress...
Oxidative stress occurs when the production of harmful molecules called free radicals is beyond the protective capability of the antioxidant defenses.
Free radicals are chemically active atoms or molecular fragments that have a charge due to an excess or deficient number of electrons.
HOW OXIDANTS DAMAGE THE BODY..
If oxidants are not paired with electrons, they start a series of chain reactions leading to damage of living cells and tissues. This may lead to development of various degenerative diseases including artherosclerotic heart disease, diabetes, skin ailments, arthritis, smoking induced lung disease and, neurodegenerative disorders, cataract, retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cancer, and may also increase the rates of mortality associated with some of these diseases.
Taking care of yourself
What are antioxidants and how do they work...?
Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged.
Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) as well as enzymes (proteins in your body that assist in chemical reactions)
Natural Antioxidants
The vitamins particularly ;
- vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene and other carotenoids,
- vitamin C or ascorbic acid,
- vitamin E as tocopherols and tocotrienols function as independently active natural dietary antioxidants.
Minerals are the other dietary antioxidants that are critical to the activation of vital antioxidant enzyme systems in the body.
- Selenium is required for the antioxidant activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
- Zinc is essential for the activity of at least 90 enzymes including the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase.
- Copper and manganese are also needed for superoxide dismutase activity.
We can get most of these antioxidants through the diet, but most are destroyed during cooking and processing. This is why supplementation is very important, especially if you are not keen on your diet.
These vitamins and minerals can easily be bought at a pharmacy or health store without a prescription (Or you can simply contact me to get all these details..)
These vitamins and minerals can easily be bought at a pharmacy or health store without a prescription (Or you can simply contact me to get all these details..)
※always follow the recommended dosage, and consult with your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions otherwise you may risk toxicity/poisoning of the liver by over-indulging ※
Supplementation of these dietary antioxidants in the right concentrations is important for protection against disease and premature ageing, healthy skin,hair and nails.
Sources of antioxidants:
- Fruits
- vegetables
- herbal teas
- store-bought dietary supplements
- honey
- herbs like ginger and rosemary
Call/text/whatsapp +254725733412 for more queries and quotations regarding dietary supplements, foods and how they work to help you stay healthy
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