Free radicals: main sources of free radicals

There are two main sources of free radicals: the first is perfectly natural and, therefore, inevitable, and the second is more artificial and relates to the phenomenon of pollution.

We must first know that free radicals are produced by the very activity of our cells, therefore impossible to escape from them. Fortunately, these free radicals can be quite easily neutralized thanks to the antioxidants that our body has. However, when the production of free radicals is increased by other phenomena, the amount of these radicals can become too large for our antioxidant reserves and this is where they risk damaging our tissues.

Here is a list of the main phenomena that generate free radicals in the body :

  • chemicals in general
  • emotional stress
  • various infections
  • injury
  • marked temperature deviations
  • radiation
  • caffeine-based soft drinks (colas)
  • tobacco smoke
  • polluted air
  • polluted water
  • alcohol
  • coffee and tea
  • rancid fats
  • Burns of skin by sun rays or ultraviolet rays in general
  • standing near a microwave oven
  • same note for CRT TVs and monitors
  • X-rays
  • cosmic radiation
  • nuclear radiation
  • several food additives, especially preservatives and dyes

This list, which is not intended to be exhaustive, contains natural elements and others that are less so. Some are largely avoidable, others are not. Of course, all controllable sources of free radicals should be avoided, but since several sources are absolutely inevitable, the right solution is to ensure that you have enough antioxidants.

The four main antioxidants are :


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