The most typical free radical agents, a.k.a oxidant particles, are built on oxygen molecules. When one electron is lost they pillage an electron from other molecules. This then damages the cell DNA and can alter future generations even turning them cancerous. Here’s a list of the most common free radicals our bodies have to deal with, our body’s antioxidant systems, and the antioxidants that are important to our health.
The Villains
SUPEROXIDE This is generally the 1st free radical formed and is an oxygen molecule which has lost an electron. The damage begins here as most others come from the super oxide radical.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE Formed by conversion of the superoxide radical, it can pass through the cell membrane and harm the fragile inner parts of the cell.
HYDROXYL RADICALS – These are the most unsafe of all free radical agents. Created when superoxide and hydrogen peroxide react together, which causes an extreme reaction ; they are going to attack any molecule around them.
LIPID PEROXY RADICALS created when oxygen attacks fatty acids in the cell membranes. This is extremely commonplace as the fat in the membranes is extremely reactive and is the selection of the oxygen molecules. This is the same reaction that causes fatty meat left in a warm room to turn rancid. During the lipid chain reaction the fatty molecules release more oxidizing agents. This chain reaction can spread across the membrane of the cell destroying the essential function of the cell.
The Heroes
Our antioxidant systems work in 2 parts : the enzyme systems and the antioxidant vitamins. The enzymes work pretty much inside the cell while the vitamins can work both inside and outside of the cell. There are 2 main anti-oxidant systems in our body and antioxidants work to keep them working.
SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ( SOD ) These are trace minerals that are composed of one or two forms which are used both outside and in different parts of the cell. They require different minerals as cofactors ( “helper molecules” that aid in biochemical transformations ), which completes the enzyme and helps it to function thousands of times more effectively.
GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE ( GP ) Requiring selenium as a cofactor, this works in several places within the cell. While it helps SOD do a more complete job, it performs a function SOD can not ; forestall the scary hydroxyl radical from being formed.
You only have so many enzyme systems in each cell and as the oxidant ( free radical ) load builds it will eventually outstrip those systems. The only possible way to reverse this harmful overload is to increase anti-oxidant nutrients to battle the free radical compounds.
VITAMIN C Important water-soluble ( something that can be dissolved in water ) anti-oxidant vitamin that works industriously to protect the greasy cell membranes. The liquid surrounding our cells is generally water based. Here is where Vitamin C is found working diligently to neutralize free radical agents before they can work their way into the fatty cell surface. C can also be found inside the cells shielding the water-soluble areas. It also plays a very important role with vitamin E, revitalizing E when it is rendered inactive after it has done its job ; like a battery charge.
VITAMIN E Our fat-soluble ( something that dissolves in fat or fat solvent solutions ) antioxidant vitamin. Oxidant particles are attracted to fat, especially polyunsaturated fat. Vitamin E does amazing things battling against lipid peroxy radicals. The cell surfaces are often polyunsaturated fat ; so it’s important to have plenty of E availability.
BETA-CAROTENE Is excellent as it works in both fat- and water-soluble areas as a free radical destroyer.
Cells and cell membranes need acceptable levels of these three nutrients to protect against detrimental lipid oxidation. Areas between cells should also contain enough levels of these vitamins to stop oxidant particles from reaching the cell membrane to begin with. Working together these anti-oxidant vitamins augment the efficacy of the others.
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