Free radicals are exceedingly difficult substances to conceptualize. They are tiny reactive molecules most commonly associated within oxygen in biologic systems; hence the term reactive oxygen species. Free radicals are generated during normal metabolism - mitochondria produce free radicals as part of their normal process of ATP synthesis. Humans have two main mechanisms for reducing free radicals - we have built-in anti-oxidant enzymes that are nutrient-dependent, and we derive anti-oxidants from food, particularly vegetables and fruits. In addition to vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, vegetation contains hundreds of different types of anti-oxidant bioflavonoids. The best way to reduce free radical proliferation is to eat fewer calories and take certain antioxidant supplements.
supplements Free radicals damage lipids in cell membranes, protiens, and nucleic acids. While vitamins E and C certainly function as antioxidants, these vitamins become free radicals after they do their antioxidant work and so must be reduced by other substances, such as reduced glutathione.
ATP generation supports glutathione and thus we need appropriate glucose regulation and the various vitamins and minerals involved in ATP synthesis. Alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 are unique because they drive ATP synthesis, act directly as antioxidants, and support appropriate blood sugar regulation. Even Vitamin D is now suspected to have anti-oxidant function.
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