Do you see a slightly-different look to your face every time you look into the mirror? Some days my wrinkles are barely there. On other days, they look like I need an iron! Of course, this all depends on how I’m sleeping, eating, exercising and my stress level. Free Radicals also play a part. In fact, Myrna Beardshear, Red Mountain’s Director of Spa & Wellness says Free Radicals are the No. 1 cause of unnecessary aging and of several diseases.
What are Free Radicals? They are oxygen molecules that are incomplete because they are missing an electron. Beardshear says Free Radicals create more Free Radicals, thus inflicting damage on the components of ourhealthy cells, including their genetic information system (DNA).
Where do Free Radicals come from? Beardshear points to radiation, air pollution, pesticides, anesthetics, gasoline vapors, fried foods, drugs, solvents, alcohol, lead, and mercury. She adds that sunburn is caused by the Free Radicals formed by the UV light. The worst offenders are primary- and second-hand cigarette smoke.
How do you protect yourself? Antioxidants neutralize Free Radicals and make them harmless. Some antioxidants are proteins made by the body, while many are delivered to us in the food we eat. The most important of these are Vitamins C and E, Beta-Carotene, Selenium, Zinc, and some Amino Acids.
Let’s free those Free Radicals from our bodies! Debra
