Our bodies produce an unstable by-product called free-radicals during normal cell function. The number of free-radicals are increased when we expose our cells to chemicals in food like hydrogenated oils and nitrates found in processed foods, as well as pollutants in the environment like nicotine and pesticides.
Even though free-radicals have a very short lifespan, they accumulate in cells and cause damage called oxidative stress. This leads to illnesses, plays a role in the aging process and damaged DNA that can lead to disease, especially cancers.
Antioxidants fight off free-radicals. The number of antioxidants available are determined by our genes and the food we eat. By knowing your gene mutation, you can improve your daily intake of antioxidants and determine if supplementation is necessary to eliminate these cell destructors.
Food containing antioxidants include beetroot, spinach, beans, tomatoes and dark chocolate to name a few.
