Looking young can convertirste an obsession when it has reached a certain age, although the ideal would be to look young, but stay young over the years. True, we can not stop the aging process, but if we can fight some factors that increase the rate. Effect of free radicals in the aging process. Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules that lack an electron. Free radicals travel the body trying to steal, stable molecules, the electron they lack.

When I finally get it, they turn into free radicals, therefore, seek to recover the electron they lack in other molecules around them. This starts a chain reaction that damages or destroys our cells. These chemical reactions, contrary to what might appear, are not always harmful for our body, in contrast, are necessary for our health. In fact our body produces free radicals, which used to destroy viruses and harmful bacteria, and once they have served their purpose, are neutralized by enzymes that our system makes for such purpose. The problem of free radicals occurs when there is an excess of them for an extended period, without being neutralized, attacking healthy cells in our body, accelerating the aging process of tissues. Excess free radicals come mainly from external pollutants, such as air pollution, smoke, snuff, drugs, animal fats, trans fats, ultraviolet rays, etc..

How to fight against the harmful effects of free radicals. To reduce this excess free radicals in our body, we should avoid, where possible pollutants that cause them. Some steps we can take: Avoid use of snuff and environments where smoking is allowed, have a diet free of saturated fats and trans fats, use sunscreen and avoid exposure at peak radiation. We can also enhance our defense system by eating foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can cancel out the harmful effects of free radicals in cells. Oxidation reactions are those that produce free radicals, which begin these chain reactions that damage cells, but antioxidants terminate these reactions by removing free radical intermediates and inhibit other oxidation reactions. These are some of the major antioxidants: Beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A). We find in fruits and vegetables such as carrots, mango, tomatoes, melons, peaches, spinach. Tocopherol (vitamin E). We found in avocado, sweet potato, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, blueberries and carrots. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Food sources of vitamin C are: currants, green peppers, kiwi, lemon, strawberries, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, oranges, tomatoes, turnips and melons. Glutathione. One of the most important cellular antioxidants. I do not get from the diet but is synthesized in cells, however, can greatly increase production through exercise. Conclusion. To avoid the harmful effects of free radicals and slow the aging process, you must: Avoid those habits that increase the amount of free radicals in our body. Having a healthy diet, with abundant fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant compounds. Perform regular physical exercise. Perhaps this requires a little effort and discipline on our part, but we’ll get the benefits, outweigh any sacrifice.