Free radicals are unstable oxygen atoms. As you will know, from your days at high school, an atom has a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, outside which electrons flow. All is well when the electrons are in pairs, but problems come about when an electron is missing, as with unstable oxygen atoms. These free radicals take electrons from balanced, or stable body cells and start a chain reaction known as oxidation.

Antioxidants are substances that slow down oxidation in the body induced by free radicals, or to put it more succinctly, antioxidants defend you from free radical damage. Make no mistake about it that antioxidants shield you from some of the most severe ailments, such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and many other conditions. There are those who even suggest that an ample supply of antioxidants in their diets can defer the onset of old age!

You may fairly ask just where the awful free radicals come from, but the truth is that they might not be as terrible as you think. Free radicals can also help the body to fight germs, so it is a surplus of free radicals that causes health disorders, and not the whole amount.

The Importance of Fruit and Vegetables:
Fortunately antioxidants are easily obtainable to maintain the balance, and mop up any excess of free radicals. It is as easy as ABC. Just think of Apricots, Berries, and Cabbage, because sought-after antioxidants are found within the 5 - 9 fruit and vegetables, that you are continually being instructed to include in your diet.

Think of 5 fruits and vegetables as the lowest common denonimator, because you should realize, you can get more antioxidant defense against free radicals from 6 - 9 portions than the bare minimum! Even though most fruits and vegetables have an abundance of antioxidants, there are other foods that don't measure up.

Fruit and Veg As Rust Inhibitors!
It's frightening, to consider that anybody should need to be constantly reminded how to remain in good health? Although most people are willing to do almost anything to protect their cars from oxidation, or rusting, they seem unwilling to defend themselves, from free radical attack. Undoubtedly the car will soon deteriorate if rusting is allowed to get worse, but our bodies will become "rusty" if free radicals are not held in check. By all means take care of your car, but you should make your foremost priority looking after yourself. A great place to begin is with the 5 - 9 fruit and vegetables every day, to benefit from the antioxidants they include.

Are All Fats Bad?
High fat diets may significantly add to free radical output, and it is widely accepted that saturated fat is responsible for free radical problems. But, the situation is complicated as not all fats are loaded with free radicals. A sensible place to begin would be to seek to avoid saturated fats, that include animal meat, and fried foods of any description. There are other fats, including fish oils, which recent studies suggest are actually beneficial, but trans fats, frequently used in commercial cakes, biscuits etc. are almost being outlawed!

The Environment and Free Radicals:
Sadly, the risk from free radicals is not only from food, but also from environmental pollutants, including industrial fumes, cigarette smoke, and others. It is not possible to evade them altogether, but a sure way to protect yourself, is by an applied knowledge of antioxidants. There are scrumptious fruits and vegetables, in plentiful supply, to serve your cause, but you should make sure that you are getting sufficient, by thinking in terms of the top of the suggested consumption, of 9 portions every day.

Essential Vitamins In Your Diet:
Antioxidant food is essential to your well-being, but if you need extra protection you might think about vitamin supplements. You would usually get all your Vitamin C from your fruit and vegetable consumption, but you should endeavour to include Vitamin E as well. You will find Vitamin E in almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and some vegetables. The vitamins are particularly good if they are part of the foods you eat. Supplements are produced, in various forms, but it is wise to discuss such requirements with a qualified advisor.

You will have learned from this short article, that antioxidants will help you to stay healthy, by counteracting free radicals. All you need is the resolve to be certain there are plenty of antioxidants included in your diet. Should you not give the required consideration to what you eat, you will suffer the risks. On the other hand, you are now aware, that if free radicals are managed with antioxidants, the possibility of becoming gravely ill is significantly reduced.

Disclaimer:
The content of the article is only for general information and is not intended for use as a medical source of information. Please use your personal judgement with regard to whether antioxidant foods and preparations are suitable for you. Anyone unsure about taking a particular food or preparation, be they antioxidant or otherwise, should obtain the advice of their doctor, or other suitably qualified professional person.