Antioxidantsin the foods we eat can neutralize the unstable molecules and reduce the chances of them causing damage.
This article will explain what free radicals are.
What Are Free Radicals?
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Free radicals are atoms that have oneelectronthat is not paired.
Sometimes they have more than one unpaired electron.
Electrons need to be paired to be stable.
Free radicals constantly look to bind with another atom or molecule to become stable.
As they’re looking around, free radicals can damage human cells.
Types of Free Radicals
There are many types of free radicals.
The oxygen free radicals (reactive oxygen species, or ROS) are the most important in humans.
Our cells have their own antioxidant defense system to help regulate levels of ROS.
The availability of free radicals creates something calledoxidative stressin the body.
There are several parts to this process.
That cycle continues and makes more free radicals.
Oxidative stress takes place if more free radicals are made than can be cleared by the body.
Damaged DNA can lead to disease.
Some of those proteins are an important part of making sure the DNA is working right.
Antioxidants and Free Radicals
Many of theplant chemicals (phytochemicals)in our foods are antioxidants.
These nutrients stop the formation of free radicals and may reduce the damage they would cause in the body.
Do Antioxidant Supplements Fight Free Radicals?
However, usingantioxidant supplementsdoes not appear to have the same effect.
Can People With Cancer Take Antioxidant Supplements?
Always talk to your oncologist about any supplement you’re thinking about trying.
They will guide you on what is safe to take (or not) while you are having treatment.
you’re able to also arm your body with antioxidants to fight free radicals.
While your body does make antioxidants, it doesn’t make enough.
For example, eating a “rainbow of foods” that will supply you with them is key.
Summary
Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that can damage DNA in cells.
In turn, this can increase your risk for disease, including cancer.
However, antioxidant supplements are less likely to help and may even do more harm than good.
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