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Can free radical damage contribute to medical conditions?

Over time, damage caused by excess free radicals can contribute to a number of medical conditions, including heart and liver disease and some cancers, including colon, stomach, esophageal and oral cancers. Free radicals are also thought to be involved in the gradual deterioration of your body that occurs with ageing; they have been linked to vision loss, joint inflammation and nerve cell damage in the brain. There is also evidence of them being involved in atherosclerosis.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that keep you healthy by neutralizing chemicals, known as free radicals, in your body.

Where do antioxidants come from?

Antioxidants are produced naturally by your body and are also found in fruits and vegetables. Common compounds that function as antioxidants and their sources are: Vitamin C - commonly found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, berries and …

What are free radicals?

Free radicals, also known as oxidants, are formed naturally in your body when food is broken down. Free radicals also form in our skin and eyes when we are exposed to sunlight, and are also in the air we breathe. Smoke, air pollution, stress and alcohol can also …

Why are free radicals dangerous to our bodies?

Free radicals have an unpaired electron that causes them to be highly reactive with anything they interact with. This can lead to cell membrane, protein and DNA damage.

How do antioxidants work?

Antioxidants work by neutralizing the harmful free radicals in your body to prevent them from causing damage.

Who needs antioxidants?

Everybody needs antioxidants. Although they are formed naturally in your body, additional antioxidants can be found in fruit and vegetables.

Are there different types of antioxidants?

There are many different types of antioxidants that can be found in various foods. These include: Vitamin C, commonly found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, berries and papaya; Vitamin E, commonly found in seed-like cereal grains, plant …

Can antioxidants help prevent diseases?

There is some evidence that antioxidants can help prevent certain diseases. These include a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers for people who eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Will high doses of antioxidant supplements also prevent disease?

Interestingly, high doses of antioxidant supplements may actually increase health risks. High antioxidant supplement use can lower the efficiency of some chemotherapy drugs. This is because chemotherapy drugs cause the …

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 976 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: FODMAPs

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