Nowadays, they are associated with the emergence of civilisation diseases and premature ageing. They are naturally produced in the body, but also enter it from the external environment. Is it possible to protect against them? Find out all the important information about free radicals in our article.
Free radicals are formed during metabolic processes in the body, specifically by the breakdown of oxygen. They can be visualized as disturbed atoms with an unpaired electron. They move freely in the body, trying to find another molecule to which they can pass it. This is how a free radical is created.
Free radicals are also produced in the body by the external environment. This can be caused by unfavourable ecological situations (smog, global warming and disturbed nature).
The radicals formed oxidatively damage the membranes of cells, and this process can spread from one to all in its surroundings. Naturally, an inflammatory process is set off, to which the immune system begins to respond. The organism is thus weakened and exhausted. One succumbs much more quickly and easily to a variety of illnesses – from influenza to herpes to civilisation diseases.
The risk of exposure to free radicals is increased in people with an unhealthy lifestyle, smokers and when drinking alcohol excessively. However, beware. Increased free radical formation has also been shown to occur in athletes and others who play sports regularly. Sporting activity requires a higher intake of oxygen, which is subsequently oxidised and free radicals are formed.
The body has mechanisms that can protect us from the dangers of free radicals. Specifically, these are enzymes in the cells. They reduce dangerous chemicals and turn them into water molecules. In the light of the facts we have stated above, this natural form of protection may not be sufficient for the body. Therefore, experts recommend including foods that contain antioxidants in the diet. In addition to fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, red meat and eggs contain them. However, the current era requires more than just the intake of antioxidants in the diet. A complex of six ingredients with powerful antioxidant effects can be found in the dietary supplement Carnosine EXTRA. Order it via our e-shop.