Free Radicals and Antioxidants: What They Are and How They Affect Your Health
At the Marc Bony Chiropractic Center in Mataró (Maresme), we understand the importance of free radicals and antioxidants in natural health. Learn how to protect your body and improve your well-being.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are unstable molecules that have an unpaired electron. They seek to stabilize themselves by “stealing” electrons from other cells, which causes progressive cellular damage known as oxidative stress.
They form naturally in the body, but their levels increase due to factors such as:
- Pollution
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Poor diet
- Stress
Diseases Associated with an Excess of Free Radicals
Excessive oxidative stress may be associated with:
- Premature aging
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Alzheimer's
- Parkinson
- Arteriosclerosis
- High Blood Pressure
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating electrons without becoming unstable.
👉 Its benefits:
- They slow down cellular aging
- They protect organs and tissues
- They reduce inflammation
- They improve overall health
Balance Between Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Health depends on balance:
- Too many free radicals → cell damage
- Enough antioxidants → protection and repair
🥗 Table of Foods Rich in Antioxidants
| Food | Key Benefits | Antioxidant Compounds |
|---|---|---|
| 🫐 Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) | They protect the heart and reduce the risk of cancer | Proanthocyanidins |
| 🥦 Broccoli | Boosts the immune system and helps fight cancer | Sulforaphane, vitamin C |
| 🌰 Nuts | They protect the heart and reduce oxidative stress | Fatty acids, vitamin E |
| 🍵 Green tea | It helps with weight loss and protects the heart | Polyphenols |
| 🍅 Tomato | Cardiovascular Health and Cellular Protection | Lycopene |
| 🧄 Garlic | Natural Antibiotic and Immune Support | Allicin, sulfur compounds |
| 🍫 Dark chocolate | Improves mood and cardiovascular health | Flavonoids |
| 🥕 Carrots | Eye Health and Cellular Prevention | Beta-carotene |
| 🍇 Grapes | Heart Health and Cholesterol | Polyphenols, flavonoids |
Free radicals are a natural part of the body, but an excess of them can cause cellular damage. A diet rich in antioxidants helps maintain balance, protect the body, and improve long-term health.
