Free Radical Free

Free radicals; we hear about the need to combat them, but what are they and why is it so necessary to keep them at bay? Our body produces free radicals through naturally occurring processes in the body. The best way to think of this is that free radicals are the waste products left over from our body's chemical processes. We want to limit the number of free radicals that are loose in the body because free radicals are highly reactive and cause damage to our DNA, and our cells. An accumulation of free radical damage in the body leads to oxidative stress or irreversible damage. This in turn causes aging and chronic disease.

Free radicals are so dangerous because they have the power to multiply. They find other electrons and steal oxygen from them, creating more free radicals. This chain reaction is what eventually causes oxidative stress.

But wait! Its not all gloom and doom. Antioxidants come to the rescue and keep free radicals in check. They are the nanny’s that calm down the crazy child. They do this by giving the free radicals an extra electron. This stabilizes the electron and therefore takes away its destructive energy. This is why you are always hearing about increasing your antioxidant consumption. Fruits and vegetables that are colorful are rich in antioxidants. Berries in particular have high amounts of antioxidants as well as cruciferous vegetables.

Turmeric is also high in antioxidants. Eat colorful, natural foods and you will be on track to decrease free radical accumulation in the body

Cruciferous Veggies like Kale, Broccoli, and Cauliflower have high levels of antioxidants. Eat yo veggies!