Electron Wars....Phasers On!!!

The contenders: Free radicals versus Anti-oxidants

FREE RADICALS

What are they:
They are unstable atoms or molecules that have unpaired electrons.


Atoms are the basic building blocks of ordinary matter. They join to form molecules which form to make the things around us. Atoms contain protons, neutrons, and electrons. B/c electrons "prefer" to be paired, free radicals tend to indiscriminately steal electrons from other atoms/ molecules, thus creating secondary free radicals and leaving havoc in their wake.

How they operate:
Chemical reactions in the body involve transference of electrons. As food gets broken down, electrons are removed, causing oxidation, and is stored as chemical potential energy called ATP. Oxidation is like an apple turning brown.

And it's all done in an amazingly controlled manner.

Free radicals change the rules of the game. Actually, there are no rules. Any electrons they can steal are up for grabs. And if the theft causes damage to the cells-hardening it and thus preventing them from getting nutrients-big deal.

Their weapons:
Processed and refined foods, food additives like MSG, pollution, smoking (to name a few)

*Free radicals are a natural part of life. We get them when we exercise, from sun exposure, etc. The problem is when there is TOO MUCH and nothing to counteract them.


ANTI-OXIDANTS

What are they:
Substances that prevents oxidation, and they include beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

How they operate:
Anti-oxidants carry a two fold mission. One, they bind with free radicals, neutralizing and rendering them harmless. (I bet even the free radicals are relieved!) Thus, they prevent biological damage. Second, anti-oxidants assist in repairing cells that have ALREADY been damaged.

Apparently, the body produces some anti-oxidants on its own. But it's crucial to bring reinforcements through food (only?). And I'm not talking about Doritos or Bamba.

Their weapons:
Berries, citrus fruits, apples, pomegranates. Deep greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach.
Broccoli, cauliflower. Legumes like black and red beans. (Is your mouth watering yet?)
Carrots and sweet potatoes!

Green tea and even coffee have anti-oxidants.

These are the contenders.
AND MAY THE BEST......... ANTI-OXIDANT WIN!!

*What can I say, I'm alittle biased.



G-d bless!

check it out:
http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/free-radicals.htm

http://www.whatisantioxidant.com/antioxidantsarticles/food-with-antioxidants.php

http://education.jlab.org/qa/atom.html