John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

In my recent seminars I was asked to explain free radicals and antioxidants. The challenge is that any explanation must at least explain the basic chemistry involved.

This series of columns will hopefully remove some of the mystery, and build our understanding on the importance, qualities and functions of antioxidants.
A free radical is just an atom or molecule that has an unpaired electron. Free radicals are produced as a result of our body converting the energy (in our body) from our food. We cannot produce energy without also producing free radicals; and these readily react with other free radicals or compounds which can cause serious damage to body structures.
Essentially free radicals damage healthy cells; and if this continues then damage will accrue resulting in disease. Antioxidants are compounds such as vitamins C and E that neutralise free radicals by donating or accepting electrons to the free radical thus preventing free radical damage.
Targeted antioxidant therapy can play an important role in rebuilding damaged cells and body systems as a result of chronic disease.
For example, free radical damage to blood vessels causes damage to collagen and other structural proteins leading to poor circulation, strokes and hypertension. The most important antioxidants in protecting blood vessels are vitamin C, the bioflavonoids, and polyphenols such as those extracted from grape seeds and berries.
During the next few editions we will look at specific antioxidants and the role they play in maintaining and restoring health.
The key to obtaining adequate antioxidant levels is to have a diet rich in a variety of plant foods; and to supplement it with a broad spectrum antioxidant supplement that is also a complete multi-vitamin and multi-mineral.
Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to: www.johnarts.co.nz and visit: www.abundant.co.nz
John Arts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to: www.sunlive.co.nz