Oxidation is a process that will wreak havoc on your immune and other bodily systems.
If we are to live longer, healthier, lives we must find a way to slow or remove the effects
of oxidation.
Oxidation is the chemical process by which an atom or molecule robs another of one or more
of its electrons. Chemicals with this tendency of stealing electrons are referred to as
“oxidizing agents”. Perhaps the most familiar “oxidizing agent” is oxygen itself.
Examples of oxidation include the browning of a sliced apple, or the rusting of a shovel in
the garage.
When a material is oxidized, its chemical structure is altered, often irreversibly.
The human body is no exception and is also prone to oxidation. We are constantly prone to
oxidative stress. This stress is brought on partly by environmental parameters such as air
pollution, tobacco smoke, exposure to chemicals, and exposure to ultraviolet light. We need superfoods
& antioxidants.
Oxidative stress in humans also arises as a natural result of the body sustaining itself by
aerobic metabolism. Normal aerobic metabolism produces as its by-products various highly
reactive molecules collectively termed, “oxidants”. The oxidants include a variety of electron
stealing molecules known as “free-radicals”. We can remove these through the use of superfoods
& antioxidants.
Some of these reactive molecules like super oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide,
are physiologically useful and in fact, are necessary for life, but can also be harmful when
present in excess.
All of these oxidants can react with various components of a living cell, such as proteins,
DNA, or lipids. This reaction can cause damage by changing the structure of these components.
Such damage has been linked to a variety of pathological conditions, such as aging,
coronary artery disease, age related macular degeneration, and certain cancers.
For us oxygen is therefore necessary and harmful. Many human diseases and degenerative processes
have been linked in some way to the action of free radicals. Free radicals are not necessarily
the only cause of these conditions, but may make the human body more susceptible to other disease
initiating factors, may enhance the progression of diseases, and may inhibit the body’s own defenses and repair processes.
The following conditions have all been linked to free radicals
- Cancer
- Aging
- Immune Deficiency (like AIDS and Lupus)
- Premature Aging Disorders
- Inflammatory or Immune Injuries
- Senile Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Atherosclerosis and stroke
- Age related macular degeneration and cataracts.
The need for superfoods & antioxidants is obvious because human health depends to a large extent on the body’s ability to control
free radicals and thus reduce oxidative damage to tissues, cells, and DNA.
To that end, superfoods & antioxidants play an essential role in disease prevention in longevity, and in overall well being.
The following are some superfoods & antioxidants suggestions that are very potent for your good health.
|
