Did you know that cells breathe? This process is known as cellular respiration. It allows the exchange of nutrients and waste products moving in and out of the cell. Glucose (sugar) is converted to water and carbon dioxide to provide energy for the cell and balance homeostasis. This takes place within the mitochondria. These mitochondria use enzymes as a catalyst for their transformation. Some enzymes, known as antioxidants, can neutralize waste compounds that are formed as a byproduct of energy production.
Antioxidants have amazing healing potential and protect the body from damage done by oxidation from free radicals. Free radicals include reactive oxygen species (ROS), aka free radicals. While free radicals serve the purpose of destroying pathogens in the body, it can be harmful if there is too much oxidation in the body. Their specific structure contains an unpaired electron that seeks to pair with antioxidants to neutralize the charge.
So, if we consume enough antioxidants, we can mitigate the risk of accumulating too many ROS “free radicals” and thereby prevent disease and damages.
When there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, free radicals can begin to attack healthy cells. This can lead to premature cell death and damage. Free radicals can become overwhelming due to toxins in the environment from chemicals, pollution and radiation exposure.
While we cannot avoid all these triggers in modern times, we can take care to reduce our intake of harmful substances and exposure to chemicals. We can also choose to introduce more antioxidants to our system.
