Free Radicals

Free radicals are highly reactive, unstable molecules with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons  in the outer-most electronic shell and are aggressively looking for an electron to make itself stable.A cell becomes a free radical after attacked by a free radical.Once formed, these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. This chain reaction can result in damage to everything from your DNA to the collagen layer of your skin. Cells may function poorly or die after attacked by free radicals. Free radicals are the contributing causes to more than 60 diseases, such as heart disease, cataracts and rheumatoid arthritis.

Free radicals are formed by exposure to such things as tobacco smoke, alcohol, insecticides, radiation, chemicals in the home or at work (chlorine, new carpeting, air fresheners, etc.), even excessive amounts of sunlight. Other causes are a high-fat diet, eating fried foods, or strenuous exercise.

Antioxidant

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category.

Plants contain many natural antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids. There are over 3,000 flavonoids, and they are quite unique in their free radical scavenging as well as being active against a wide variety of free radicals. To increase the carotenoid and flavonoid content in your body tissues, eat at least five or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily.

The Best Antioxidant

According to Dr.Hidemitsu Hayashi,ionized alkaline water is the best antioxidant in the world.