What are Free Radicals?
They are harmful molecules that can damage cells reacting against its components. This is called oxidation and can cause serious cell damage. To minimize damage, cells contain antioxidants (molecules that eliminate the radicals).
There are 2 kinds of antioxidants that work together:
* Enzymatic antioxidants: produced in the cell and can not be obtained through food supplementation.
* Non-enzymatic antioxidants: the most important include vitamin E, C and b-carotene (vitamin A). They are present in many foods and can also be obtained through supplements. Vitamin E and b-carotene protect cell membranes from radical damage. Vitamin C works with vitamin E to protect both lipid substances like proteins in the cells of radical damage.
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