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More About Antioxidants and Free Radicals
The body naturally generates free radicals
as a byproduct of energy production. Free radicals are molecules
with at least one unpaired electron. Paired electrons are stable,
while unpaired electrons are always looking for a mate. As free
radicals move through the body, they steal electrons from other
molecules, damaging the cells they touch. Free radical damage has
been linked to many common health concerns affecting the
circulatory, immune and structural systems and more.
Antioxidants are molecules that "deactivate" free radicals. They quench unstable
free radicals by providing extra electrons, thus preventing a portion of the
damage to adjacent cells. The body produces antioxidants to combat free
radicals. But its natural production cannot address the added free radical
stress cause by pollution, tobacco smoke, ultraviolet light, radiation and other
factors. The good news is that antioxidant supplementation can.
Antioxidants have an affinity for specific parts of the body. While one might
work best in the liver, another helps protect the eyes. In addition, some
antioxidants are fat-soluble, others are water-soluble and some are both. For
these reasons, the best supplement products have a well-rounded antioxidant
profile.
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