Free Radicals-Particles With an Attitude

Free radicals are rogue molecules of oxygen that can be harmful because they have the ability to attack and damage our cells. They are oxygen molecules with an electron missing and they are highly reactive. They occur everywhere in nature. A blast of free radicals can be generated by

Toxic chemicals
Pesticides
Smoke [ cigarettes ]
Pollution
Infections
Sunburn
Burnt and fried foods

And, lets not overlook one of the more common ways to generate free radicals i.e., by the normal digestion of food. We are bombarded from the time we are born. The free radicals are all around us and we are exposed on a routine basis. The quandary is this; we need free radicals to sustain life. At the right time and place they are normal and desirable especially in the process that produces energy in the course of food oxidation. They can aid in detoxifying harmful substances and they can also play vital role in helping the immune system fight disease.

The body has a defense mechanism in the form of free radical scavengers called antioxidants, When you are in a state of wellness, the body has an ample supply of scavengers that keep the tissues from being damaged. The body can soak up and eliminate these potentially dangerous substances providing it has a supply of antioxidants.

Remember, when you eating a diet based on "live" foods, you have ACEs up your sleeve to fight the radicals i.e. Vitamins A,C,E and Selenium.

* Vitamin A Good sources: carrots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, parsley, spinach, mustard greens, mangoes, Hubbard squash, cantaloupe, apricots, and broccoli.

* Vitamin C Good sources: peppers, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnip greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, strawberries, papayas, spinach, oranges, lemon juice, grapefruit, turnips, mangoes, asparagus, cantaloupes, and green beans.

* Vitamin E Good sources: expeller pressed polyunsaturated vegetable oil, seeds, nuts, whole grains, asparagus, avocados, berries, green leafy vegetables and tomatoes..

* Selenium Works with vitamin E. Good sources: wheat germ, Brazil nuts, barley, whole grain wheat bread, bran, oats, brown rice, turnips, and orange juice.

These are not the only foods in which these nutrients are found. this is not intended to be medical advice. If you have any questions, check with your doctor or nurse practitioner