We all know that the human body is working in a factory. Enormous processes occur in the human body. Each process occurring in the body has a different purpose and is controlled by the contribution of various substances.
Tiny substances such as vitamins, minerals play a vital role in maintaining the good health of the body. These are the critical part of different chemical processes occurring in our body. Of all these substances, one of them is antioxidant.
The basic structural and functional unit of our body is called a cell. The cell is made up of several organelles. The organelles are made of molecules, and molecules are a combination of atoms. So the situation is at the atomic level.
The word antioxidant is a combination of two words anti means "against," and oxidants mean the substances involved in the process of oxidation. First, let us have a glance overOxidationn. What is oxidation?
Oxidation
Oxidation is a process in which the gain of oxygen occurs, and as a result, one hydrogen or electron is lost.
Oxygen exists in the form of a diatomic molecule. Because oxygen is an unstable atom and can't live independently. Through oxidation, the oxygen atom combines with another oxygen atom and becomes a stable diatomic molecule. But Some times when our body is exposed to a high level of oxygen, then the diatomic oxygen breakdown and starts using the body's cell atoms to gain stability. The cell's atoms are also neutral. When oxygen uses their electrons; they also losses strength and become unstable. This unstable form of enclosure,s bit, is called a free radical.
free radicals
The free radicals are the unstable atoms of the cell that have lost their stability because oxygen is used in their electrons. Free radicals are formed within the body when our body is exposed to oxygen. The exposure can be due to the following reasons.
1. Excess alcohol intake
2. Smoking
3. Heavy minerals in mines(metals etc.)
4. Exposure to Sun
A free medical also react with another atom to gain stability. It starts to make bonds with another fraction through the process of oxidation. When this atom combines with another bit, the donor atom loses its strength and becomes a free radical. So that atom also starts making bonds with another pinch. This way, a chain reaction process continues.
Effects
The free radicals and the chain reaction formed within the body are not suitable for our body's health; they can cause the following health issues in our body.
1. lense deterioration; results in blindness
2. Arthritis
3. Coronary diseases
4. Ageing
5. DAN damages
6. Cancer
Role of antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that prevent the formation of free radicals and stop the process of chain reaction. Antioxidants supply extra oxygen to the body; then, the oxygen during oxidation uses oxygen of antioxidants and prevents cell atoms from being used.
The body itself does not synthesize the antioxidants; they must be taken from outside through the diet or supplements. The antioxidants are primarily present in beans, green vegetables, berries, walnuts, fruits, lemon, etc.
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