(NaturalNews) Contrary to popular belief, free radicals are not entirely bad for your health. Free radicals, by definition, are reactive elements that want to steal electrons from compounds that they come into contact with.
The vast majority of free radicals that exist in your body at any given moment can be traced back to one of the following sources:
* Everyday metabolic pathways that occur in your body to produce energy
* Environmental toxins, such as industrial pollutants, household chemicals, and cigarette smoke
* Physical stressors, such as unhealthy oils, food preservatives, and the wide variety of chemicals that are found in almost all highly refined foods
* Emotional stress
Free radicals inflict damage upon other compounds by stealing electrons from them, which initiates bouts of inflammation that can lead to scar tissue formation. For example, if enough free radicals steal electrons from the inner wall of one of your blood vessels, the resulting inflammation can lead to hardening of the vessel wall, which can cause compromised blood circulation in that area of your body.
Just as free radicals can damage your tissues, they can also damage viruses, bacteria, and harmful substances that make their way into your blood; in these instances, free radicals act as important parts of your immune system, and serve to protect the health of your tissues.
Free radicals that are formed inside of your cells via everyday metabolic processes are important to your natural defense mechanisms. These free radicals help to neutralize toxins, destroy waste products, and protect your tissues against harmful microorganisms.
Free radicals become a significant cause of disease when you produce them in excessive quantities and/or are exposed to large amounts from the environment. When your body is bombarded by excessive free radicals, you have a higher risk of developing a variety of degenerative diseases - including cardiovascular disease and many types of cancer - due to the damage that free radicals can inflict on tissues that they come into contact with.
Antioxidants found in fresh, minimally processed foods are helpful to your health because they are able to provide the electrons that free radicals want. Once free radicals are neutralized by antioxidants, they become harmless, and are eventually eliminated from your body.
Here are some practical notes on how to prevent free radicals from significantly compromising your health:
* Avoid hydrogenated oils, fried foods in restaurants, and highly refined foods - all of these foods are typically rich in free radicals.
* Avoid charcoal-grilled meats and animal products that have been cooked at high temperatures - these foods are also abundant in free radicals.
* Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, such as romaine lettuce, celery, bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes. Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in natural antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals in your body.
* If your life circumstances permit, drink fresh vegetable juices on a regular basis. Freshly pressed vegetable juices provide a wide range of nutrients, including antioxidants, that are easily absorbed into your bloodstream. To optimally support your blood sugar level, emphasize the use of greens like romaine lettuce, kale, and celery, and use only small amounts of sweet vegetables like carrots and red beets. Consider using a high quality super green food product if you don’t have time to make vegetable juices on a regular basis.
* Eat fruits that are rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, pomegranates, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, goji berries, papayas, mangoes, watermelon, and olives.
* Don’t overeat. Since free radicals are produced by your regular metabolic activities, overeating results in excessive free radical formation in your cells; these free radicals can spill out into your blood, and eventually damage your tissues.
As you try to minimize the negative impact that free radicals can have on your health, don't forget the importance of acquiring restful sleep and striving to be emotionally balanced; a well rested body and a balanced nervous system are two of the most important requirements for a strong immune system that can protect your health against excessive free radicals.
About the authorBen Kim is a chiropractor and acupuncturist who lives in Ontario, Canada with his wife and two sons. He provides information on how to experience your best health as you age at his website, http://drbenkim.com.
###
Related Articles
• Distorted research claims exercise is bad for you
• Potent antioxidant Astaxanthin shows promise as anti-inflammatory for arthritis, joint pain, back pain, muscle soreness and carpal tunnel syndrome
• Free Radicals are Exacerbated by Poor Eating Habits, Infections and Pollutants -- 95% of the People Who Have Indigestion Problems Don't Know It (press release)
• The mineral selenium proves itself as powerful anti-cancer medicine
• Vitamin C: There May Be a Modern Chronic Deficiency
 |
Popular Topics:
free radicals, berries, antioxidants, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury |
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/022682.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
The Plan for the Food Supply
The Sunscreen Myth
When doctors have nightmares
|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|
Printable Version
