Fruits and Green Vegetables can Prevent Damages Done by Free Radicals

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons, produced by natural cell metabolism in the body. They are aggressive, unstable oxygen-containing molecules. Free radicals can increase to dangerous levels under insalubrious conditions such as severe mental and physical stress, excessive smoking, and exposure to strong sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.

When the amount of free radicals in the body increases beyond normal limits, they can harm your body. They destroy vital cell structures and cause various degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body which is often exposed to ultraviolet radiation, toxins, cigarette smoke, drugs, and other free radical producing conditions. Excessive free radicals accelerate general ageing, including that of the skin. Skin ageing caused by ultraviolet radiation is called photoageing.

Photoageing results in wrinkles, discolouration, accentuated skin furrows, sagging of the skin, and textural and pigmentation irregularities.

The elastic fibers in the dermis enlarge and thicken as a result of ageing. The skin loses its elasticity and becomes weaker than normal. The epidermis grows thinner, so the skin easily blisters, tears and grazes. Photoageing also causes loss of collagen tissues.

Antioxidants, also called ‘radical scavengers,’ are molecules which can safely counteract the undesirable effects of free radicals. They terminate the chain reaction triggered by free radicals before vital molecules are damaged.

Unfavorable environmental conditions such as ultraviolet radiation and unhealthy lifestyles debilitate the body's immunity against harmful radicals.

Fruits and vegetables are a good source of antioxidants such as lycopene, proanthocyanidins, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and selenium.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid similar to beta-carotene. It gives tomatoes their characteristic red color. Lycopene is highly effective in protecting the body against damages caused by free radicals. Proanthocyanidins are flavonoid compounds found in high concentrations in such sources as grape skins and grape seeds.

Vitamin C accelerates antioxidative processes within the cell. Vitamins C and E fight free radicals in complementary to each other. Vitamin E protects the cell wall against damages done by free radicals and enhances the intestinal absorption of selenium.

Vitamin E enhances the effect of beta-carotene which protects the skin against damages caused by ultraviolet radiations. Beta-carotene is found in a wide variety of yellow and orange colored fruits and vegetables.

Selenium is a trace element mineral nutrient that works synergistically with vitamin E to protect the body against damages caused by free radicals. Selenium detoxifies heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury accumulated in the body as a result of environmental pollution. Selenium is found mostly in seafood, drinking water and whole grains.

A highly nutritious diet is required to protect body cells against premature ageing and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Only a regular intake of antioxidants can ensure maximum protection against free radicals.