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Several years ago, it was discovered that the oxidation process was causing damage to a number of metal, prompting the development of agents that would slow down this process. Based on studies, scientists have found that the human body undergoes the same oxidation process. On metals, the oxidation process causes rust; inside the body, the oxidation process causes damage to the cells, tissues and organs. In order to slow down the oxidation process inside the body, antioxidant supplements need to be taken.
Antioxidant supplements have been found to get rid of free radicals. Free radicals are naturally produced by the human body through the process of oxidation. They damage the cells by stealing the cells’ electrons. In addition, antioxidant supplements prevent the creation of free radicals. In this regard, antioxidant supplements are similar to a rust inhibitor.
For metal to rust, two ingredients must be present in order for the oxidation process to occur: water and oxygen. Think of a metal grill. If left unprotected outside, exposed to the elements, the grill will rust. In order to protect the metal grill from rusting, it needs to be covered or it needs to have a coat of protective paint applied.
A similar principle applies to the human body. The cells, tissues and organs are subject to rusting when the oxidation process produces free radicals. The free radicals are free floating, stealing the electrons from cells, damaging them (this is the rusting part). Antioxidant supplements serve as the protective coating; when they are introduced in the body, they gather up the free radicals, preventing them from damaging the cells. Antioxidant supplements are a great help to the body in keeping the free radicals under control so they do not cause considerable damage to the cells. Check out this video:
Antioxidant supplements come in a variety of forms -- foods, drinks, medications. One popular antioxidant supplement is green tea, which has been found to be a rich source of antioxidants. The antioxidants in green tea is believed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Green tea as an antioxidant supplement can help lower the risk of developing a number of diseases , including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and high cholesterol. Green tea is an antioxidant supplement that is readily available in stores. The body can fight off the free radicals but it can't always do that by itself. When the number of free radicals becomes too many for the body to fight on its own, this is when introducing antioxidant supplements could prove very helpful. Keeping the system healthy and fighting off the infestation of free radicals is the job of the body's natural systems. However, there may be times when the number of free radicals exceeds what the body can collect on its own and by using an antioxidant supplement the system can get a little needed help.
