Why human beings age is a very complex and is based on a number of different factors. One of the theories of aging has to do with the fact that the human body is constantly being put under oxidative stress, and antioxidants may be the key.
As we depend on oxygen to live, it is in all of our cells. Oxidative stress occurs when oxygen molecule split into atoms. If you can remember your high school science class, the molecules pair together, because it is attracted to one another as they both need an extra electron. These unpaired atoms are free radicals, and are unstable and highly reactive as they try to find an extra electron to pair up with, traveling through the body to find it.
To put it simply, free radicals may blur the blueprint of your healthy body, and they may also knock over the proteins that are needed, and they may cause them to built not to code. As more free radicals are created by oxidative stress, the more problems that can arise from their assault.
Degenerative diseases that are associated with aging, like cancer and Alzheimer’s, and auto-immune diseases like arthritis, may be due to the body’s inability to deal with the attack of free radicals.
So what causes free radicals?
Free radicals are made within our bodies (as a part of a healthy immune function), as well as in the environment. Poor diet, stress, illness, along with dangerous substances we put in our bodies like drugs (prescription and recreational), smoking, and alcohol can all cause oxidative stress. The environment can also be a significant factor as pesticides, pollution, and even exposure to sunlight can also create free radicals.
While reducing exposure to free radicals will help, the focus on the removal of free radicals is necessary for good health.
Antioxidants can safely interact with free radicals, stop their reactions, and render them harmless. The body does have it’s own built in mechanisms (through enzyme systems) that seek free radicals to remove them from the body. The most significant antioxidants that manage free radicals are vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A (not an antioxidant), which is fat soluble, and can be toxic at high doses.
At FRESH, we understand how important antioxidants are for a healthy lifestyle. Our menu is amped up with the best types of antioxidants.
Ready to try something delicious that will make you look and feel great? Try our fountain of youth FRESH squeeze, pomegranate punch smoothie, acai mega berry super smoothie, or our Pataya or acai bowl. Reduce your oxidative stress as a part of a healthy lifestyle and visit your nearest FRESH.
