Free radicals can have a big impact on your cells as you age and excess amounts can contribute to speeding up your body’s aging process from within.
Knowing where free radicals come from and the role of antioxidants can better prepare you to take care of your cells as you age. With this in mind, we’ve compiled this guide to free radicals, antioxidants, and their effects on your body as you get older.
What are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are molecules with lone electrons without a pair – they seek out other electrons to latch onto in an attempt to stabilize themselves. Damage can be caused when free radicals take electrons from other already stable molecules like cell membranes, DNA, or protein. This can lead to these molecules becoming damaged and unstable.
An imbalance of oxidative stress can manifest itself in many different ways, including dull skin, premature fine lines and wrinkles, fatigue and muscle weakness. This is because the free radicals have adversely affected on your body’s cellular processes, leaving them unable to function as well as they once did.
Sources of free radicals can include:
- Pollution
- Sun exposure
- Cigarette smoke
- Fatty or sugary foods
- Excess alcohol consumption
Making a few changes to your lifestyle habits could therefore help to minimize your exposure to free radicals. It’s also important to take steps to ensure you keep your antioxidant levels in balance to help protect your cells from oxidative damage.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that can fight free radicals and help to combat the oxidative damage that can contribute to accelerated cell aging.
Examples of antioxidants include:
- Beta-carotene – found in vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and kale
- Vitamin C – this antioxidant is found in cranberries, blackcurrants, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers
- Vitamin E – almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, eggs, spinach and broccoli are all good sources
- Selenium – this antioxidant is present in many whole grains, dairy products and fortified breakfast cereals
Glutathione: One of Your Body’s Most Important Antioxidants
Glutathione is one of the most important and powerful antioxidants in the body and it also helps other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to do their job. However, your levels of glutathione typically begin to decline as you age. Glutathione is constantly working inside the body to protect it from both internal and external stressors such by-products of cell metabolism, poor diet, and excessive sun exposure.
But if your body’s glutathione levels are declining, how can you help to make sure they need to make this important antioxidant? Meet Celltrient™ Cellular Protect Dietary Supplements.
