You have probably heard that antioxidants are good for your health, for example by holding back the aging process, or reducing heart disease.

Our cells can get oxidized. Think of rust on metal. Something similar to that happens to our cells.

antioxidant needs
Why does this happen?

There are some molecules that either have an extra electron or are missing one. These are called free radicals. What happens is that the extra electron attaches itself to another molecule, or if one is missing it steals one from another molecule. Our cells are made of atoms that join together and make molecules. The moment a free radical comes along it changes the structure of the molecule it is attacking. This molecule in turn becomes a free radical - and the cycle continues.

What an antioxidant does is to absorb or provide the extra electron, but without becoming a free radical. So not only does the chain reaction stop but also the damage is eliminated.

Our bodies have free radicals and we also absorb them from the environment (pollution, smoking, etc.), so we need to replenish antioxidants so they can do their work.

The best way to do this is with a balanced diet that includes fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, amongst others. As you can see our eating habits have much to do with this.

There are some fruits that have more antioxidants than others, but the point is to get the antioxidants into our bodies and in a balanced way.

You can easily find supplements to boost your antioxidant needs, but the idea is not to swallow loads of pills.

Another thing you have to take into account is that there are different types of antioxidants, found in different foods - just as there are different vitamins and minerals.

So variety is the spice of life.

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