If it seems like everything you do or eat has health hazards associated with it, you'd better brace yourself. Here's another one to add to your list: breathing. Yes, even something as useful as breathing can be a factor in cancer, cataracts, high cholesterol, and age spots.
Where There's Fire, There's Smoke
Oxygen enables fire to burn. Similarly, it serves as the catalyst that allows your body to convert food into energy. When there's a fire, there's always smoke. When you're burning energy, the "smoke" takes the form of free radicals.
A free radical is a mutated oxygen molecule – a molecule that is missing at least one electron. These mutated molecules travel throughout your body seeking stabilization by stealing electrons from healthy cells. When they are successful in their electron-stealing attempt, the free radicals leave behind damaged cells. Fortunately, your cells have a built-in repair system. But when they're subjected to a constant barrage, the repair process can't keep up.
Not all free radicals are bad. You need a certain number of them. It's when they multiply and roam unchecked that health problems occur.
Antioxidants to the Rescue
Antioxidants are positively charged molecules that neutralize free radicals. The following foods are good sources of antioxidants:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Butternut squash
- Cantaloupe
- Grapes
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