What are Free Radicals?
Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process. It's a fact of life … we age, every second, of everyday. And although we can't stop the aging process, we can take steps to improve our health as we age. Certain known causes of free radical damage such as smoking or sun exposure can have negative impacts on how we look and feel. Other external sources of free radicals include: Pollution, pesticides, anesthetics, fried, barbecued and char-broiled foods, alcohol, and coffee. Obviously, reduced exposure to these sources of free radicals is recommended in a life extension program.
It is ironic that even the air we breathe creates free radicals within our bodies and is responsible for much of the destruction and aging of our cells. Certain conditions such as most chronic inflammatory diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ulcerative colitis), and conditions associated with low immune function such as cancer, AIDS, and chronic fatigue syndrome are characterized by a pro-oxidative state. The importance of sufficient antioxidant support in these conditions cannot be understated.
Why are free radicals so nasty? Free radicals are highly reactive, short lived molecules that can damage proteins, fats, and even DNA inside of our bodies. Every day our cells get about 75 thousand free radical hits to their DNA. Most of the damage can be repaired by repairing enzymes inside the body, but the little bit of damage that can't be repaired accumulates over time and can add to the aging process.