What Causes Free Radicals

Free radicals are said to be one of the number one causes of degenerative diseases, premature aging and many of the common ailments. They are uncontrolled substances that can set off cell damaging chain reactions that not only harm the cells, but can cause the cells to die off prematurely. As a result, it ends up in diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and eye problems.

Diet

Diet is one of the worst offenders when it comes to free radicals. All the processed foods, foods high in fat and unnatural sugars are one of the major causes for the formation of free radicals in the body. Anything that contains any kind of food additive such as a colorant, artificial sweetener or preservatives should be avoided in order to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body.

The best foods to incorporate into the diet are fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants such as blueberries, acai, raw cacao and leafy green vegetables. Nuts and seeds are also a good source, plus, they also contain many healthy fats, so that you can reduce the intake of meats and other animal proteins. As for calcium, dark green leaf vegetables are a good source. The numbers may be low; however, that ensures that the body can absorb all the calcium. Excess amounts of calcium floating around in the blood has been shown to have negative effects on health.

Chemicals

Chemicals such as household cleansers, pesticides, certain perfumes and cosmetics and creams are also very dangerous and can cause the release of free radicals within the body.

There are many natural cleaners that you can use such as baking soda and vinegar. These are effective in cleaning just about all areas of the house, including the bathroom. Instead of purchasing conventionally grown produce, purchase organic foods, as they have not been treated with pesticides. Also, use natural cosmetics, or avoid them altogether.

Pollutions

Pollutions within the air are another reason for free radicals in the body. These can be anything from smoke that comes from a chimney or a cigarette, to chemicals being sprayed in the field. Emissions from motor vehicles is another form of pollution that is very harmful to the body.

Pollutions such as these are often hard to avoid unless you live in the country and do not smoke. If you smoke, then you might want to consider quitting, and if you have friends who smoke, you might want to ask them not to smoke around you.

Preventing Free Radicals

The only way to prevent and protect the body against free radicals is to avoid the factors that contribute to the free radicals. In order to eliminate them, and stop their harmful effects once they have begun is to consume plenty of antioxidant rich foods. These include foods that are high in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, E and C. Antioxidant minerals are also important, which include selenium, zinc, copper, manganese and iron. Other antioxidants include lycopene and flavonoids.

All these should be taken within the correct balance in order to maximum effect. The best way to do that is through a plant based diet that consists of all the different colored fruits and vegetables.

That means that you should include all colored vegetables in your diet, as well as all different colored fruits. All the various colors of nuts and seeds should also be present in your diet. Your body will let you know when you have consumed enough of the nutrients, because you won't feel the need to eat. Thus, when you eat those foods, you won't have to count any nutrients or calories.