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Many people these days take antioxidants to counter the detrimental effect of free radicals. Although there is no conclusive proof that antioxidants keep skin from aging, experts do agree they have the ability to 'capture' free radicals and may protect us from certain diseases. A free radical is simply a molecule that is missing an electron. As soon as a molecule loses one of its attached electrons, it becomes unstable and seeks to re-stabilize itself by stealing an electron from the nearest molecule. This causes the attacked molecule to then become a free radical, and starts a chain reaction. Ultimately as the process continues this can lead to cell damage. In light of the role free radicals play in the onset of aging and disease, it is important to ensure our diets include a rich and diverse supply of antioxidants to improve the health of our cells throughout our bodies and to protect our cells from the ravages of oxidation. The cells of our bodies are now increasingly subject to damage from free radicals due to the high levels of environmental toxins in our diet and the reduced levels of antioxidants in our food to combat free radical damage. Most companies which make skin care related products tout the goodness of antioxidants and natural products that contain antioxidants. We are exposed to huge amounts of free radicals from pollution, and pesticides. Every time you breathe, you take in millions of free radical molecules created by cigarette smoke, radiation, and automobile emissions. Every time you eat, you consume free radicals in the form of pesticides and preservatives. In order to bolster the body's defense mechanism, and to counter this activity by free radicals, a lot of research is being done to study how the quantity of antioxidants can be included in the diet or added through a dietary supplement. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, but it is not known which dietary factors are responsible for the beneficial effects. A few of the better known antioxidants include carotenoids, the substance that gives fruits and vegetables their deep rich colors. Antioxidants are essentially natural compounds that protect our bodies from free radical damage to our cells. This destructive process is called oxidation. Just like many metals oxidize and then rust, our own bodies tend to do the same over time. They also play a major part in activating enzymes, producing energy, and hormones. But if there is an excessive amount of them they can do more extensive damage. Pollution, alcohol, drugs, radiation from television, computers and hand phones, chemicals, cigarette smoke and stress generate free radicals in our bodies. Unstable and highly reactive, these free radicals attack your cell membranes. They then stimulate biological reactions that have been connected to accelerated cellular aging. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are naturally formed inside our bodies by the process of oxidation. They are normal by products of everyday functions like digestion and physical activity. Without a doubt antioxidants are a vital tool in our fight against diseases, we all agree that sometimes eating the right thing is difficult but when compared with pain and suffering that we can bring to ourselves by cancer, arthritis or arteriosclerosis, a bowl of salad and an orange seems like a very tasty choice.
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The crown jewel in the MonaVie formula is the Acai Berry. For centuries, the indigenous people of Brazil's Northern Amazon region have revered this legendary berry as an antidote for numerous ailments. This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.
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