What are free radicals?
The cells in our body number in the trillions. They are bound to face issues and threats from inside and outside our bodies. One of these threats is free radicals. Free radicals are molecules released as a byproduct of metabolic activity. Free radicals also enter the body when we inhale polluted air, cigarette smoke or industrial chemicals.
How do free radicals impact the body?
As you might have learnt in chemistry, for any molecule to be stable, it needs a full outer shell of electrons. Free radicals lack the electrons to become stable. This causes them to be highly reactive. Free radicals react with the cells and alter the DNA by pulling the required electrons from the DNA structure. This results in something called oxidative stress.
When we age, we progressively lose the ability to fight free radicals. This causes free radical buildup in the body. This causes the ageing of cells and degeneration.
This causes issues of varying degrees:
- Nervous system: Diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Cardiovascular system: Clogged blood vessels due to plaque buildup.
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
- Cataracts and decreased vision due to age.
- Degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.
- Ageing appearance: Wrinkles on the skin, loss of elasticity, hair loss and greying hair.
What are antioxidants?
Free radicals left unaddressed, can cause a range of issues. Hence it is crucial to know how to tackle them. The best way to fight against free radicals is to consume products rich in antioxidants. These are of various kinds and act against different free radicals. Antioxidants can be found very easily in various food items
Where to get antioxidants?
Antioxidant-rich foods include:
- Vitamin A: Dairy products, eggs
- Vitamin C: Most fruits and veggies. Citrus fruits and berries are especially rich in vitamin C.
- Vitamin E: Nuts, vegetable oils and green leafy veggies.
- Selenium: Whole grains like rice, wheat, corn etc.
- Lutein: Green leafy veggies, corn, papaya etc.
- Beta-carotene: Usually found in brightly coloured fruits and veggies like carrots, peas and mangoes.
- Lycopene: Red-hued fruits and veggies like watermelon and tomatoes.
Colourful food items are usually rich in antioxidants rather than brownish or beige-coloured items. Hence it is recommended to include a fruit or vegetable in all your meals.
Antioxidants are also available in the form of topical products. These get absorbed by your skin and hair Using products with antioxidants can be very beneficial.
The Himalayan Yeti has enforced its entire range of products with an array of antioxidant-rich compounds. This ensures that your lustrous hair and glowing skin do not have to suffer from free radical damage.
The Yeti’s Salon range of products is the perfect companion in your battle against free radicals. Each product contains a combination of various antioxidants. The Skin and Hair vitamin oral strips are just a flavorful cherry on the top providing you with the essential vitamins to keep your skin and hair healthy.
How do they work?
As we have noted before, free radicals are highly reactive and pull the electrons from the DNA in the cells to become stable. Here’s where antioxidants come in.
Antioxidants have some free electrons which they need to release to become stable. So, the antioxidant molecules react with the free radicals and neutralise them. Hence, the radicals become stable and are unable to alter the DNA.
Taking care of our body doesn’t just include exercising. It also means eating a proper diet with antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants are not only essential to neutralising free radicals, but they also contribute to various bodily functions.
Frequently asked questions:
What are free radicals?
A: Free radicals are a byproduct of metabolic activity that occurs in the body. They also enter the body through pollution.
How do free radicals impact the body?
A: Free radicals present in the body react with the DNA in our cells and alter them. It inhibits cell function and leads to more serious diseases and conditions. Sometimes even cancer.
How to prevent free radical damage?
A: Antioxidants prevent free radical damage to a large extent. It is important to consume antioxidant-rich foods regularly.