Free radicals and antioxidants
Alkaline Ionized Water is a powerful antioxidant!
Alkaline Ionized Water is a plentiful source of antioxidants which help to neutralize free radicals. But what exactly are free radicals and antioxidants?
Free radicals are unstable molecules desperately seeking electrons for stability. They are known to cause cellular and DNA damage in our body, which in turn contribute to aging and the onset of various diseases. Antioxidants help slow down this process. They do so by donating an electron to an oxygen-free radical (the most common type of free radical in our body) creating a stable oxygen molecule.
In short, free radicals cause oxidation in our body while antioxidants prevent oxidation.
Where does one find antioxidants?
Aqua Sparkletts Alkaline Ionized Water is a rich source of antioxidants. Due to the small size of the water clusters created by ionization, these antioxidants get easily absorbed by the body. It is also an effortless way to provide our bodies with plentiful amounts of antioxidants each day.
Many foods are also high in antioxidant value and should be a part of any health pH balanced diet:
- Fruits, such as apples, grapes, grapefruit, cranberries, blackberries, and blueberries
- Vegetables, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, carrots, tomatoes and garlic
- Legumes, such as red beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans
- Teas, such as green tea, black tea, herbal tea,
- Spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, oregano, and turmeric
What are free radicals?
We are all made up of atoms. Atoms that have a full outer shell of electrons tend to be stable and do not enter into chemical reactions with other atoms or molecules. Those that do not have a full outer shell of electrons desperately seek out electrons wherever they can so they can become stable and inert. These unstable atoms are called free radicals.
In seeking stability, free radicals tend to try and steal an electron from whatever molecule (or atom) happens to be nearby. In turn, the particle that loses an electron to a free radical becomes unstable and becomes a new free radical. As such, free radicals can be the cause of a never-ending chain reaction.
One of the more common types of free radicals is oxygen-free radical. These are oxygen atoms that are missing one or more electrons in their outer shell. Oxygen-free radicals cause oxidation, both in the air and in our bodies. A slice of apple that turns brown or a piece of metal that rusts are examples of oxidation that we observe in our daily lives.
Well, this type of oxidation also occurs inside our bodies because of the action of oxygen-free radicals.
Free radicals are not evil or harmful – in moderation. Our body performs many functions, and there will always be some free radicals created. Free radicals are essential in the synthesis of energy and essential nutrients and are also involved in boosting our immune system. However, if the level of free radicals gets too high in the body, one can run into significant problems. Numerous diseases and health issues are linked to high levels of free radicals.
Antioxidants to the rescue!
So, how do you turn a free radical into a harmless molecule? You give the free radical the extra electron it so desperately wants. What substance can supply this extra electron? Antioxidants to the rescue! Antioxidants are any substance that prevents or slow the oxidation process.
Antioxidants are essential for the proper function of the immune system. Immune cells produce free radicals for normal defense functions. If the level of free radicals in the immune cells surpasses normal levels, they negatively affect the immune system. On the other hand, antioxidants act as scavengers of the free radicals in cells and therefore promote our immunity and overall health.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website are provided for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The information provided herein should not be considered as a substitute for the advice of a medical doctor or other healthcare professional.
This article first appeared in Aqua Health Products.